Brushing Techniques for Kids

Developing the habit of regularly and correctly brushing their teeth is important for children. Parents can help kids enjoy the process by creating games out of the experience. For younger children, you can pretend that there are teeth monsters which have to be brushed away. For older kids playing the radio while they brush or brushing alongside mom and dad can make the experience something they look forward to rather than dread. Whatever method you use to teach your child the importance of brushing, the technique that is used is the most important thing. Proper brushing will leave teeth clean and healthy.

Regularity

• Children should be taught to brush their teeth twice daily. After breakfast and before going to bed are two times which make it easy to remember to brush. After kids begin attending school it can be difficult for them to brush during the middle of the day, but ideally they should also brush their teeth after lunch and following snacks which are sugary.

Technique

• When children begin brushing on their own, it is common for them to focus their attention on only their front teeth. Parents should educate kids on the importance of cleaning all of their teeth. The brushing method recommended by the American Dental Association is to hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree against the gums and begin brushing back and forth using short strokes. Kids should then be helped to brush inner and outer tooth surfaces and the top chewing surfaces where food can accumulate. Kids should then become accustomed to brushing their tongue to remove bacteria and eliminate bad breath.

Duration

• In order to properly remove plaque and bacteria kids should spend between two and three minutes consistently brushing their teeth. Because time can be hard to measure, you can use a kitchen timer or play a song which lasts three minutes to ensure that enough time is spent brushing. There are even toothbrushes on the market which have a song built in to let kids know when it is okay to stop brushing.

Follow With Floss

• Flossing can be a strange process for kids, but it is an important part of oral health. Flossing reaches and removes plaque from areas of teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Because of the delicate nature of flossing and to avoid damage to the gums, it can be helpful for parents to floss for their children until the child is deemed old enough to handle the process on her own. The proper way to floss as indicated by the American Dental Association is to hold floss against one tooth tightly. Gently rub the side of the tooth, as you move the floss in up and down motions away from the gums. Repeat this action with all teeth.

Toothbrush Replacement

• In order for brushing to be effective, the bristles of your child's brush must be in good condition. Toothbrushes should be replace after three or four months, or once bristles become frayed. Some toothbrushes are sold with bristles that gradually change color over time, reaching a particular color when it is time for the toothbrush to be replaced.