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Brushing
For children under three years, use only water and a soft-bristled toothbrush for cleaning their teeth. From the age of three, you should guide your child in the rudiments of proper brushing. Purchase a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste for each session. Make sure your child does not swallow excess toothpaste during brushing.
- Children should brush their teeth four times per day to avoid accumulation of plaque and food particles:
- In the morning after breakfast
- After lunch or right after school
- After dinner
- At bedtime
Always examine the condition of your child’s toothbrush. Replace when you notice the bristles are fraying. Rinse your child’s mouth very well with water after each brushing and remind your child to avoid the temptation to swallow toothpaste. For the best dental hygiene, make sure your child flosses areas brushing cannot reach.
Flossing
Flossing is the cleaning action used to gain access to hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and below the gum line, places a toothbrush can’t reach. Dental floss is a cleaning device consisting of a thin waxed nylon thread, used for cleaning trapped plaque and particles of food.
To floss, first pull out a small portion of floss from the holder. Tie both ends of the floss tightly round your middle fingers (or your child’s fingers), then drag in a back-and-forth motion to clean between the teeth all the way to the gum line. Floss gets into tight corners, extracting all plaque and food particles. As you drag the floss, untie more clean floss from your fingers to utilize the entire length of the floss. Do not forget to floss the back of your teeth.
It is important for your child to floss before going to bed, to ensure clean teeth throughout the night.
Your child may experience slight gum bleeding when first using dental floss. Bleeding is normal as long as it remains minimal. However, if bleeding persists over several flossing, let Dr. Mannella and our team know during your next visit.
FAQ
At what age should my child start brushing their teeth?
Children should begin brushing their teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, which is typically around six months of age. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, parents can help brush their child’s teeth twice daily. As children grow older, they can gradually learn to brush on their own, with supervision, until they develop the skills to do it properly, usually by age 7 or 8.
How often should my child floss?
Flossing should begin when your child has two teeth that touch, usually around the age of 2 or 3. It is essential to floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Parents should assist with flossing until children are around 8 to 10 years old to ensure it is done correctly and to help establish a consistent routine.
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste is best for my child?
For young children, a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head is ideal. It allows easy access to all areas of the mouth and is gentle on their gums and developing teeth. Fluoride toothpaste is recommended to help prevent cavities, but only a pea-sized amount is necessary for children aged 3 to 6. For those under 3, use a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Always choose toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
How can I make brushing and flossing fun for my child?
Making brushing and flossing fun can help establish good oral hygiene habits. Try using a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character and flavored toothpaste to make the experience enjoyable. Brushing together as a family, playing their favorite song during brushing time or using a reward chart can also motivate children. Reading books or watching videos about dental care can further educate and excite them about keeping their teeth healthy.
Call our office at 973-989-7970 if you have any questions about brushing and flossing in Randolph, New Jersey, and if you would like to schedule an appointment with our dentists here at Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph. We are always happy to see patients from Morris County, Sussex County, Essex County and Warren County.