Teaching your children to brush their teeth the right way!

If you are wanting your children to learn how to correctly brush their teeth, then it’s important that you begin teaching them at a young age. By starting early, your children will become comfortable with brushing their teeth, making it easier for it to become part of a healthy routine.

In a child’s eyes, brushing teeth can be quite scary, as it’s a new and strange experience to begin with. Teaching your child to enjoy brushing their teeth removes the negative feelings that could make it a chore, and makes cleaning their teeth a fun and enjoyable experience.

When your children’s teeth do begin to develop, it’s important to schedule visits to your dentist. A visit to Kiddies Dental Care isn’t just about the check up, we are here to help and educate you and your child about looking after your teeth to create a lifetime of oral health.

OUR TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TEETH CLEAN, HEALTHY AND STRONG!

1. Work towards your children brushing their teeth for 2 mins twice a day. Many families use a count down timer on a phone or ipad to show their child how long to brush for or find a tooth brushing song to make it more fun! This video brings to life the classic  This is the way we brush our teeth!

2. Its also recommended to teach your children to floss their teeth once a day, at night before bed is best. Check out our blog for flossing tips here! Flossing

3. Replace your child’s toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, when the bristles are worn out or your child has been sick. And don’t forget to replace yours too! 

OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

  • Children under 3 should use a small toothbrush with a very small amount of toothpaste…about a grain of rice
  • Children 3-6 are encouraged to use a pea size amount of toothpaste
  • Older children will use slightly more than that
  • Encourage your child to spit their toothpaste out

  • Help your child place the toothbrush at an angle against their gums
  • Move the brush back and forth, gently, in short strokes
  • Brush the front, back, and top of teeth
  • And don’t forget to brush the tongue to get rid of germs and freshen the breath

It is best to supervise your child until at least 8 years of age. This time gives them the confidence and you the knowledge that they are brushing their teeth in the correct way for ongoing oral health.

Your child’s first dental checkup should be no later than their second birthday.
But if you are not sure if your child is brushing correctly, it may be an ideal time for a checkup. Our Dental Therapists can provide Oral Hygiene Instruction to your child during this visit. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT HERE to see one of our wonderful team to help put your mind at rest.

AND…Don’t forget the importance of a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Check out some of our other blogs that provide great advice on this.

USEFUL DENTAL RESOURCES AND FURTHER READING

Something very special from our very own Dr Bethany Fisher. Dr Bethany is an amazing children’s performer and also and amazing dentist, and somehow she has managed to find time to record her very own Two-Minute Toothbrushing Song, which has also been featured on ABC Kids Listen. We love it and we know you will too. Dr Bethany also works 5 days a week at our Napier Street Practice in Essendon, so if you would like to make an appointment with her, simply click here for our ONLINE BOOKING

Dr. Bethany’s Two-Minute Toothbrushing Song

A great video for your child which explains why were need to brush our teeth everyday.

Finally one for the parents who want a bit more detail on how to brush with a model demonstration!

Thanks to our wonderful Oral Health Therapist, Tu-Anh.
She works at the Essendon clinic.
If you would like to talk to her or any of our amazing team, about this or any other questions you may have, please contact us on 03 9372 8960.

Tu-Anh