Pediatric Dentistry of Redlands

With so much information floating around out there, it can be difficult to really understand what are the best practices in dental procedures and day-to-day dental information. Do you have the facts about how to teach your child how to brush their teeth? Brushing is critical to keep your children’s smile healthy. So, get the facts. 1.      Brushing should occur 2x a day at least as soon as they have a tooth come in. Prior to that you may want to brush their gums with a baby toothbrush. 2.      Toothpaste is not necessary until they are able to spit it out. 3.      Have a toothbrush that fits comfortably in their mouth. There are a variety of different toothbrushes and sizes of toothbrushes. It is critical for them to have one that comfortably fits in their mouth as well as in their hand. 4.      Your children’s toothbrush needs to be switched out every 6 months in order to ensure that the bristl...

One scary situation can cause major problems with your child when brushing. If they are feeling uncomfortable with the toothbrush being in their mouth, it is important to help re-establish the trust. The toothbrush head should be smaller than their mouth. This helps to allow them not feel like they are choking while they are brushing. Play a fun song or have a relaxation session prior to brushing. Helping them to feel relaxed prior to working on brushing their teeth can help keep them calm. While they are brushing, playing their favorite song or talking to them can help keep them calm and focused on something other than the task at hand. Have them brush their teeth 2x a day. The more they brush where it does not end in something bad happening, the more it will help to reinforce that brushing is safe. You will also want to use a small amount of toothpaste . The amount of toothpaste should not be enough that the toothpaste builds up in their mouth. Help them to place the ...

There are a variety of toothbrushes that line the aisles of the grocery store. Your child may even scream for the Mickey Mouse rotating toothbrush or the toothbrush that sings their favorite song. You may think, ‘what’s two dollars more. That;s okay.’ But here’s what you need to know about the pro’s and con’s of an electric toothbrush for your children. Electric toothbrushes can provide the ability for your child to reach places they may not be able to reach because of dexterity. Not to mention that some children enjoy the songs and the vibration of the toothbrush which encourages better and more accurate brushing. Electric toothbrushes can be great for children who struggle with the dexterity to reach the back teeth or other locations due to a disability. Dr. Cameron Fuller recommends that children have soft bristles on their toothbrush no matter which type it is, in order to protect their gums. Electric toothbrushes cannot do it all. There are some myths that a child can s...