Care of Your Child's Teeth

Brushing

Begin daily brushing as soon as the child's first tooth erupts. A pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to swallow it.

By age 4 or 5, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day with supervision until about age 7 to make sure they are doing a thorough job. Since each child is different, a member of the Holdbrook Pediatric Dental team can help determine whether the child has the skill level to brush properly.

Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces. When teaching children to brush, place toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and start along the gum line with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion.

Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria. 

Flossing

Begin flossing when any two teeth touch as it removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. An adult should floss the child's teeth until he or she can do it alone.

Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around the middle fingers of both hands. Hold the floss lightly between the thumbs and forefingers. Use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between the teeth. Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until there is a sense of resistance. Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth.

Repeat this procedure on each tooth. Don't forget the backs of the last four teeth.