With so many toothbrush choices available today, choosing the right one for your child can be a daunting task. Each child at each stage of life has different needs, and every set of teeth is different, so what’s the right choice for your child?

The Importance of Brushing Teeth

Brushing teeth is the best way to remove harmful bacteria and plaque that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Everyone should brush twice a day. Children should start brushing their teeth at an early age to establish proper oral hygiene routines that will last a lifetime.

The Right Toothbrush for the Right Age

Infant ToothBrushes: As a parent, your first task is to find a correct sized brush for your child. If your infant has only a few front teeth, you may want to opt for finger brushes. You can use these extra soft brushes with just water or infant toothpaste containing no fluoride because your child will swallow the toothpaste at this young age.

Toddler Toothbrushes: When your child is about two years of age, you will need an age-appropriate toothbrush with a head that can reach the hard to reach baby molars at the back of the mouth. Once your child can spit out toothpaste, it’s time to shift to a toothpaste containing fluoride.

Children Aged 5-8: Children between the ages of 5 and 8 begin to have their permanent teeth come in. They are also able to spit out toothpaste. You will need to shop for a larger toothbrush to clean the larger adult teeth that have erupted. Make sure to use fluoridated toothpaste to help keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy.

Children Aged 9-10: During this stage, your child will have many permanent teeth. Your child can now use adult toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Help Your Children Choose Their Own Toothbrush!

Children love choosing their own toothbrushes, and this helps them feel motivated and excited about brushing their teeth. Make sure you brush your teeth alongside your kids because children love mimicking their parents. Creating a fun environment will encourage your children to develop proper oral hygiene habits.

Brushing Best Practices

Make sure any brushes you buy for your kids at any age have soft bristles. Also, stress to your children that it is not about how hard they brush their teeth, but how long and how frequently they brush. Children need to brush their teeth at least twice a day for a whole two minutes. Some parents find that listening to a favorite song encourages children to brush for their full two minutes.

To brush teeth properly, help your child place the toothbrush beside the teeth at a 45-degree angle. Gently brush a small group of teeth at a time using a circular motion. Brush all surfaces of the teeth including the outside, inside, and the chewing surfaces. Encourage your child to gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen the breath.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Visit Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about caring for your child’s teeth. We will work with you to help establish proper oral hygiene habits to ensure your child enjoys a healthy smile for a lifetime. We look forward to caring for all your child’s dental needs. Call us today!