How do I brush and floss my child's teeth?


It can be difficult to teach young children the importance of brushing and flossing. However, with this easy routine and supportive way you can help minimize the fight and increase the success. First, Dr. Cameron Fuller at Pediatric Dentistry of Redlands recommends you give your child the toothbrush. Let them look it over, put it in their mouth and move it around on their own.

Next, have your child sit down in front of you, touching their knees. Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and put it up to their mouth. If your child opens right away gently begin to brush the quads of their teeth. You want to get the tops, the back and the side of each area. To help, you may want to sing or have your child’s favorite music playing in the background. You can also count with your child, to ensure each side is brushed for two minutes.

Early habits of flossing can begin a lifetime of a healthy habit. But what age should you start? As soon as they have teeth, recommends Dr. Cameron Fuller. The early you start, the healthier your child’s gums and teeth will be. This important habit begins at a young age.

Find floss that has a glide. This will make it easier to get between your child’s teeth. Again, put your son/daughter in a chair across from you, touching their knees to yours. Gently wrap the floss around your fingers. Have them open and begin at the back of the mouth. Slide the floss in between their teeth. If there is visible food on the floss, you may want to show it to them in order for them to see what you are getting out of their teeth. Move around the mouth from one side to the other and from the bottom to top or top to bottom. 

For more information on flossing and brushing your child's teeth contact Dr. Fuller and his staff today. 

Comments

  1. UnknownMay 22, 2014 at 6:25 PM

    Thank for this. I can brush my daughters teeth but she won't stay still long enough for me to floss her teeth. She always says it hurts too. I have just assumed that it was just the normal feeling that she just wanted used to though.

    Alena | http://www.kemperponddental.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMay 25, 2014 at 5:10 PM

    Alena,

    Thank you for stopping by. Please continue to attempt using the method provided to floss your daughter's teeth as this is very important not only for overall dental health but overall habits as well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJune 9, 2014 at 10:27 AM

    Thanks for the information on how to brush a kid's teeth. My sister has been struggling with her children to get their teeth clean. I hear that the flavor of toothpaste that you use can definitely help get children more excited about brushing.
    Andre Franklin | http://www.drmarkstapleton.com

    ReplyDelete

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