As parents, you want the best for your kids. You want to do everything you can to set them up for success in life. A lot of that involves getting them a good education and food and clothes and all the other trappings of a great childhood. While we as parents take over most of these items, sometimes your child may have to do a little work on their own. Case in point: brushing their own teeth. When should they start and how do you go about teaching them? Those are both questions we’re going to explore today as we look at some best practices for setting your child up for success when it comes to their dental health.
Good dental habits begin at a young age.
When should my child start brushing their teeth on their own?
There are a lot of factors that go into that decision, but it can be as early as four to five years old. The important thing you have to watch for is if they are picking up the proper brushing and flossing techniques as they watch you in your routine. At around four or five years old they should be able to have a guided brushing session with mom or dad in which they brush both top and bottom and front and back teeth for two minutes. They should be using a soft bristled toothbrush.
Should my child also be flossing as they learn how to brush?
The answer is a resounding “yes!”. Your child should be learning how to floss right along with how to brush successfully. The rule of thumb for when you or your child should be flossing their teeth is when they start to get teeth close together in a row. That is where bacteria and plaque like to hide, in those little nooks and crannies. A child should be brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes and flossing once a day for two to three minutes, or until they are able to clean out every gap between their teeth.
Is fluoride safe for my child?
Fluoride is typically considered safe for children, but you will want to consult with your dentist to see exactly how much they should be exposed to. Check to make sure that you are using an ADA approved toothpaste that is designed for children. If not, then it may not be properly balanced for them and may not be as effective or even (in rare cases) as safe. Always check for the ADA approved seal on the tube!
Where are some resources for me and my child to learn more about dental hygiene?
First, ask your dentist! At Lake Harbor Dental, we love helping children and families successfully get started on a life long path to dental hygiene and health. Secondly, Colgate actually has a very extensive website full of great information about how to brush and answers to commonly asked questions. You can check them out here: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/family-guide-to-oral-health
