Pediatric Preventive Care – Learning The Proper Brushing Technique

Healthy teeth start at home. Whether you’re a new parent and you’re brushing your child’s teeth for them, or your little ones are starting to brush on their own, you may be wondering how you can make sure their teeth are brushed properly. 

In this blog from Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll discuss the basics of proper brushing technique, choosing a toothbrush, what kind of toothpaste to use, and more! Read on, and get all the info you need to keep your child’s smile bright and shiny.
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Start With The Right Toothbrush 

If you’re brushing your child’s teeth for them, go for a brush with a large handle, small head, and comfortable grip. Choose soft bristles, since these are gentler on their gums and teeth. A diamond or oval-shaped head is best, too, since this helps you get into the gaps between their teeth more effectively.

If your child is old enough to brush on their own, let them choose their own toothbrush! There are lots of toothbrushes for kids that have fun themed characters from Disney, Marvel, and more. And if your child picks their own toothbrush, they’ll be more likely to have fun while brushing, and to brush consistently.
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Always Use Fluoride Toothpaste, Even For Very Young Kids

Fluoride is safe and effective for children of all ages. It helps build up the teeth and prevents cavities. For very young infants, just use a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Kids who are old enough to spit on their own should use a grain-of-rice-sized blob. Kids over the age of 3 should use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste.
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Use The Proper Brushing Technique – 4 Steps For Success

You’ve got your toothbrush and toothpaste. But what about technique? Let’s break down proper brushing technique step-by-step.

1. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum – This angle helps clean between the teeth and gum line.
   
   
2. Brush gently in circular, short strokes – You should brush each tooth in tooth-wide strokes. A circular motion helps clean the surfaces evenly.
   
   
3. Make sure you brush every surface – Brush the outside, tops, and insides of each tooth. Cleaning every surface should be your goal!
   
   
4. Tilt your brush to clean the front teeth – You can angle the brush and use the tip to clean the backs of the front teeth. This is where a diamond or oval-shaped toothbrush head comes in handy, since this makes it easier to maneuver the tip of the brush.

Whether you’re brushing for them or your children are brushing on their own, this is the proper technique you should follow. It should take about two minutes to brush your child’s teeth thoroughly.
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Brush Twice A Day And Floss Once A Day

We recommend brushing once in the morning, either right when your little one wakes up or after breakfast. Then, their teeth should be brushed again at night, after their final meal of the day. You should also floss your child’s teeth once a day. Brushing alone isn’t enough to remove plaque and food particles that may build up between their teeth and gums.
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Need Brushing Tips Or A Checkup In Yardley, Bensalem, Or Warrington? Come In Today!

Whether you need brushing help for your little one or they're overdue for their next six-month cleaning and oral exam, the team at Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. We have locations in Yardley, Bensalem, Warrington, and Glenside. Contact us online to schedule a consultation for your little one, and get the help you need from our team of expert pediatric dentists! We’re always accepting new patients, and we’d love to meet you and your family.