Tooth Brushing

Brushing & Flossing Instructions

Children’s hands and mouths are different than adults. They need to use toothbrushes designed for children. Both adults and children should use brushes with soft, rounded bristles for gentle cleaning. Change to a new brush every three – six months.

Wipe infant’s teeth gently with a moist, soft cloth or gauze square. As babies grow, use a child’s toothbrush with a small, pea-sized dab of toothpaste. By age two or three begin to teach your child to brush. You will still need to brush where they miss. Dentists and hygienists often advise children to use a gentle, circular motion to remove plaque right up to the gumline. 

As children get older and have more developed hand skills, they can adopt the following method:

Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle towards teeth and gums. Move brush back and forth with short strokes, about a half tooth wide.

• Brush the inside and outside surfaces of each tooth, top and bottom.
• Hold the brush flat on top of the teeth and brush the chewing surfaces.
• Gently brush the tongue to remove debris.
• Floss between teeth daily.

When To Begin Brushing

Once your child’s teeth begin erupting, you can begin cleaning them by wiping them with a moist washcloth. As your child gets more teeth, you can begin to use a soft child’s toothbrush. You should use just a pea-sized amount of non-fluoride toothpaste until your child is able to spit. 

For most toddlers, getting them to brush their teeth can be quite a challenge. Some suggestions for making tooth brushing less of a battle can include:

• Let your child pick out a toothbrush with his/her favorite characters. This will give him/her some feeling of control over the situation.
• Let your child brush their own teeth first (you will likely have to “help out”).
• Read your child some children’s books about tooth brushing.
• Have everyone brush their teeth at the same time.

It can also be a good idea to create a “tooth brushing routine”. And stick to the same routine each day.