1 Year to 3 Years Old
By the age of 2, your child may enjoy handling a toothbrush, but they might still need more coordination to brush effectively. To help them, you may continue brushing their teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using a gentle back-and-forth scrubbing motion. The Indian Dental Association suggests using just a smear of fluoridated toothpaste for children under the age of two and a pea-sized amount for children over two years of age. Make sure your child spits out the excess toothpaste after brushing if you are using fluoridated toothpaste.
Parents should supervise their child’s tooth brushing and use only a smear or pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste until they are about seven years old. If your child’s teeth are touching, it is time to start flossing between them. Teaching your little one to floss is crucial for their oral health, although they may not master it until around 9 or 10 years old. In the meantime, you can use dental flossers to help keep the children’s teeth clean and improve their oral health.
4 to 5 Years Old
Between the ages of 4 and 5, children start to become more independent, making it a good time to introduce them to proper oral care. By now, most kids have all their baby teeth, so keeping them clean and healthy is crucial. Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Help them brush all around their mouth and remind them to spit out the toothpaste after they are done.
Since they may still be learning, it is important to supervise their brushing to ensure they are doing it correctly. You may need to brush their teeth again, especially at bedtime, to ensure thorough cleaning of the surfaces of the teeth. Remember to replace their toothbrush every 3 months or so, or when it looks worn and the bristles are no longer straight. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial at this age. Schedule visits every six months for a cleaning and to ensure their teeth are healthy.
7 to 8 Years Old
As children enter the ages of 7 to 8, it remains crucial to reinforce good oral healthcare habits and provide guidance for proper dental care. By now, they should have developed the coordination and skill to effectively brush their own teeth, transitioning from the phase of brushing baby teeth. However, it is still important to supervise their brushing to ensure they cover all areas of their mouth and brush for the recommended duration. At this stage, your child will no longer need an infant toothbrush.
Dentists advise periodically checking the effectiveness of your child’s brushing. One method is using disclosing tablets, which stain areas of the teeth with plaque missed during brushing. In addition to baby brushing teeth, consider introducing the practice of flossing to your child’s dental routine during this period. While they may need assistance initially, teaching them proper flossing techniques is essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing cavities. Also, do not forget to schedule regular dental check-ups, as they are crucial during these years.
How Do You Brush a Baby's Teeth?
If you are unsure about how to brush your baby’s teeth, here is a detailed step-by-step walkthrough to assist you. Making sure your baby’s teeth are clean is crucial for their overall health, and by using the right methods, you can establish habits that will benefit them for life. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of how to brush baby teeth effectively:
- Choose the right toothbrush: Use an infant toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. Avoid toothbrushes with hard bristles and opt for a baby teeth brush, as they can damage your baby’s delicate gums.
- Brush gently: Place your baby in a comfortable position and gently brush their teeth and gums using small circular motions. Pay special attention to the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate.
- Brush twice daily: Aim to brush your baby’s teeth twice a day, preferably after breakfast and before bedtime. Brushing baby teeth after meals helps remove food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
- Use the right toothpaste: Once your child is old enough to use toothpaste, put a tiny smear on the toothbrush. Make sure to use toothpaste specifically formulated for infants and toddlers, as adult toothpaste may contain too much fluoride if swallowed, which could potentially harm their developing adult teeth.
For instance, you may try using Colgate Toothpaste for Kids, which is specifically designed with a 50% less abrasive formula than regular adult toothpaste. It comes in a natural flavour and contains no artificial preservatives, flavours, colours, or sweeteners. It protects your kid’s mouth from cavities, plaque, enamel problems, and bad breath.
