Kids Oral Care - Dental Hygiene Tips for Kids

Summary

Brushing and flossing are important parts of your child's daily oral care routine. Starting when the first tooth appears, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste in an age-appropriate amount. Use a 'smear' of toothpaste for children from 2-3 years old and a "pea-sized" amount for children aged 3 to 6 years. For children age 3 and older, a child-sized electric toothbrush is recommended for enhanced plaque removal and should be used as directed.

Why Brushing Is Important for Children

Brushing a child's teeth is important for many reasons. Primary teeth help children chew, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. They also hold space for adult teeth as the mouth continues to grow and develop. Establishing good oral health habits early can help support healthy teeth and gums for life.

If primary teeth develop severe decay and are lost too early, nearby teeth can shift and reduce the space available for adult teeth to come in properly. Ongoing poor oral hygiene and frequent sugar exposure can also increase the risk of cavities in permanent teeth.

When to Start Proper Oral Hygiene for Kids

Many parents want to know: At what age should I brush and floss my child's teeth? Make sure to start brushing as soon as that first tooth appears! A good rule is to start flossing as soon your child has teeth that are touching one another, usually around age 2 to 3 years. Once teeth reach this point, food particles can get caught between them and foster the growth of bacteria and the development of plaque. Be sure to ask their dental professional for brushing and flossing advice to get the most out of their daily routine.

How to Brush Baby's Teeth

Any good oral care starts before teeth appear. The AAP recommends that, after a feeding, parents wipe a baby's gums with a soft washcloth or a baby toothbrush using water. You could also use a dentist-recommended cleanser. When a child's first tooth appears, brush twice a day with a child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush.

Stages of Child Development

Oral Care Tips Stage 1 (4-24 months)

To prevent the buildup of plaque, a soft, sticky bacteria containing deposits that accumulate on teeth and cause tooth decay, you should begin by regularly cleaning your newborn baby's gums with a damp washcloth after all feedings (breast or bottle).

• When your child's first tooth appears, brush twice a day with a child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Ask your pediatrician or dentist about when your child should visit the dentist, but a good rule of thumb is to plan the first dental visit by your child's first birthday or within 6 months after the first tooth appears. After that, the dentist can recommend a visit schedule based on your child's needs and cavity risk.

Oral Care Tips Stage 2 (2-5 years)

Use a 'smear' of toothpaste for children from 2-3 years old and a “pea-sized” amount for children aged 3 to 6 years. Keep helping your child brush until they can do a thorough job on their own, and make the routine fun with simple games or a themed toothbrush featuring their favorite Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars characters.

• Brush for two minutes, cleaning all tooth surfaces, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces. For children age 3 and older, a child-sized electric toothbrush is recommended for enhanced plaque removal.
• For children 2 and older, parents must be aware of the impact that nutrition and eating and drinking habits have on oral and overall health. Parents can promote healthy habits by limiting sugary drinks, getting rid of the bottle and or sippy cup, and offering healthier meal and snack options.

Once your child is 3 years old, it is recommended that they use a kid-sized electric toothbrush for enhanced plaque removal. Look for one with features designed for children ages 3 and older. While these brushes offer the cleaning action and timers found in adult models, many kids’ electric toothbrushes also come in bright colors and feature favorite Disney characters to help make brushing more fun.

Oral Care Tips Stage 3 (5-7 years)

Although young children may want to brush on their own, many still need help or close supervision to clean all tooth surfaces well. A good rule of thumb is to keep helping with brushing and flossing until your child can do a thorough job consistently. Let them "do it themselves" first, then follow up by helping them brush and floss again. Most young children thrive on regular schedules, so try making morning and evening brushing and flossing a family routine and do your own oral care at the same time. As permanent teeth begin to come in, it's important to keep using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush that fits your child's mouth comfortably.

Oral Care Tips Stage 4 (6+ years)

Once children start school, parents have less influence over their meals and snacks during the day. Set an example for your kids by eating a variety of healthy foods yourself, and by following a consistent oral health care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Pack plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods as healthy snacks, and keep the sugary drinks to a minimum—they are among the factors that can promote tooth decay. Children 6 and older should use a fluoridated toothpaste and a toothbrush that is designed for a complex mixture of different-sized permanent and baby teeth.

Child Dental Care Tips

One of the best ways to help prevent cavities is to make brushing part of your child’s everyday routine. Brushing may not be their favorite activity, but choosing a toothbrush and toothpaste they enjoy can make it easier—and even more fun—to stick with healthy habits.

Look for  toothpaste with fluoride that’s child-friendly, with flavors and colors that appeal to kids. There are toothpaste choices more appropriate to adult needs as well, so many families find themselves using more than one type of toothpaste.

Teaching your child how to brush well is just as important as choosing the right toothpaste. Start with a few simple steps to help build good oral care habits early.

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
• Gently brush in small circular motions across the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
• If your child uses a kid-sized electric toothbrush, guide the brush head slowly from tooth to tooth and let the brush do the work without scrubbing.

Flossing is just as important as brushing. Here’s how to help your child floss:

• Start flossing your child's teeth for them as soon as two teeth are touching each other.
• Use kid-friendly flossers that are designed for small hands.
• Show them how it's done by taking a small piece of floss and wrapping it around their fingers, then:
  • Gently guide the floss between teeth.
  • Use a "C" shape to hug each side of the tooth.
  • Gently move the floss up and down the tooth and along the gumline.

Flossing kids' teeth helps prevent cavities and keep gums in good condition—the earlier they get into the habit of daily flossing, the more equipped they’ll be for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.