Taking care of your child’s teeth and gums is your responsibility as a parent until they are old enough to be responsible to do it themselves. Looking after your child’s teeth is essential for their health. Plus, the practice will also instill the routine into them so that they maintain oral hygiene and care when they become responsible. Starting out can seem intimidating though: What’s the best kids’ toothbrush? Should they be flossing? How often do they need a professional dental cleaning?
Here is everything you need to know about brushing and caring for your child’s teeth.
What Toothbrush Should My Child Use?
Toothbrushes vary depending on their bristles. For children, it is best to use soft-bristled toothbrushes, as these will be gentle yet efficient on their teeth and gums. No matter how hard they brush, the bristles will not harm them. They are hard enough to give a good clean but soft enough to be kind to their oral area. Furthemore, ensuring it is small enough to fit nicely in their hand will make the brushing process a lot easier.
When you brush their teeth for them (when they are babies and toddlers), make sure the toothbrush is big enough for you to hold. Yet, ensure it has very soft bristles. The younger the child is, the more sensitive their gums will be.
Should You Floss Before Or After Brushing?
Flossing should always be done before brushing. This goes for all ages. Getting your kids to floss before brushing will remove any food, bacteria, or dirt, which will be brushed and washed away during brushing.
What Are The Best Brands Of Toothbrush?
When purchasing a toothbrush for your child, you will want to go with a reputable brand. Brands such as Phillips, Oral-B, and Colgate are the most popular for all ages. They create child-friendly brushes, which will offer those soft bristles that will be kind to gums and efficient enough to clean the teeth properly. If you are unsure, you can also ask your dentist for recommendations.
How Often Should A Child Brush Their Teeth?
Like adults, children should also brush their teeth twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening is enough to keep oral hygiene up to standards.
Should your child get in a mess or eat sugary foods or drinks, then it is often advised to brush afterward. This will remove any bad sugars, which could lead to tooth decay.
How Often Should My Child Have A Professional Dental Cleaning?
A professional dental clean is essential to keep teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Although a daily routine of flossing and brushing twice is enough to maintain hygiene, a thorough clean from a dentist will remove a build-up of plaque, stains, and tartar. It will also give the dentist time to perform a full examination of the teeth to ensure there are no underlying issues. This should be done every 6 to 12 months. Keeping a regular dental cleaning routine will ensure the utmost health and care for your child’s teeth.
Here at Cohen Family Smiles, we would love to guide you and your child towards a healthy smile. You can request an appointment online, You can also reach us at (914) 245-2965 for any questions or appointment requests.