Tips For Properly Brushing Your Toddler's Teeth
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure your child grows up healthy and happy. This includes taking care of their tiny, new teeth! Brushing a toddler's teeth can sometimes feel like a wild-west showdown, but with the right approach, it doesn't have to. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on is crucial for preventing cavities and setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Wild West Children's Dentistry, we understand the challenges parents face. Proper pediatric dental care starts at home, and we are here to help you get started.
Choose the Right Tools
For toddlers, you will need a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles so it is gentle on their gums and fits comfortably in their mouth. For toothpaste, use a small, rice grain amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under three. Once they turn three, you can increase this to a pea-sized amount. Fluoride is a key ingredient for preventing cavities, and using the right amount is a critical part of a good pediatric dental care routine. Our local dentist office recommends choosing a toothpaste with a flavor your child enjoys, as this can make the brushing experience more appealing to them.
Create a Fun Routine
Try to brush your child's teeth at the same time every day, such as after breakfast and before bed. Turn this routine into a fun event! You can sing a special "brushing song," let them choose their own toothbrush, or make it a game. In our pediatric dentist office, we use child-friendly language to explain why brushing is so important, and you can do the same at home. For example, you can tell them you are "chasing away the sugar bugs." A positive association with brushing will make them more cooperative and excited about their teeth cleaning.
Proper Brushing Technique
It is important to remember that your toddler won't have the dexterity to brush their own teeth effectively until they are much older. This means you, the parent, are in charge of the brushing. Use a gentle, circular motion to clean the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth, and a back-and-forth motion on the chewing surfaces. Make sure to brush their tongue as well to remove bacteria and freshen their breath. Focus on reaching all areas, especially the back molars, which can be a common spot for cavities. This technique, when done regularly, is the foundation of excellent pediatric dental care.
Lead by Example
Brush your own teeth at the same time as your toddler to show them how it is done. You can make a mirror-image game out of it, or simply let them observe you. This reinforces the idea that brushing is an important daily activity for everyone in the family. Our local dentist team often hears from parents about how much their children enjoy "copying" them, and this is a great way to use that natural curiosity to your advantage for proper teeth cleaning.
Use Apps and Videos
There are many fun apps and videos designed to help toddlers with brushing. These often feature animated characters that "dance" or "sing" for a full two minutes, which is the recommended brushing time. This can be a great way to keep your child engaged and focused on the task at hand. It also ensures they are brushing for the correct amount of time, making their teeth cleaning more effective. While these tools are fantastic, they are no substitute for regular visits to our pediatric dentist office.
The First Visit to a Dentist
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. These early visits to our pediatric dentist office are not just for teeth cleaning; they also help children become comfortable with the dental environment. Our team provides comprehensive pediatric dental services and can offer personalized advice on brushing, diet, and fluoride needs. Establishing a relationship with a local dentist early on is a preventative measure that will benefit your child for years to come.
By following these tips, you are setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Wild West Children's Dentistry, we are committed to providing the highest quality pediatric dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your child's next teeth cleaning, we invite you to contact our local dentist office. Let us be your partner in your child's oral health journey.