Establishing a great oral hygiene routine in children is essential for setting them up for life-long oral health success. While teaching them to brush and floss might seem like a small task, it has a major impact on the rest of their lives. With good oral hygiene, they can avoid much of the pain and cost of restorative dental care.
However, instilling good oral hygiene practices in children, especially children under 6, can be difficult. Their attention may be drawn elsewhere, and they may not seem interested in oral hygiene practices. But, by persisting and following a few tips, you can keep their teeth strong, prevent cavities, and establish routines that will benefit them for years to come.
If you have children under 6 and you need help establishing good oral hygiene, keep reading to see what our team recommends.
Start Young
Putting off establishing an oral hygiene routine might seem like the easiest course of action, but it often makes things far more difficult down the road. In children under 6, it is always best to start as early as possible. Before their first teeth emerge, consider wiping their gums with a damp cloth after feedings to remove bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.
When your child’s first tooth emerges, it is time to start brushing and flossing regularly. Use a small, soft-bristle brush to gently brush their teeth at least two times a day. By starting them early, you help them adjust to the sensation of brushing, making them far less uncomfortable through the process.
Use the Right Amount of Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is an essential part of every oral hygiene routine, even in the youngest children. While you may be weary of using fluoride oral hygiene products with children under 6, it is essential to help them grow strong, healthy teeth. However, it is important that you don’t overuse fluoride, as this may result in fluorosis, a condition characterized by dark staining on your child’s teeth.
When brushing the teeth of children under 3, use a small smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. For children between 3 and 6, use about a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing. Using this ingredient regularly is essential for preventing cavities and strengthening their enamel.
Teach Proper Brushing Techniques
Children under 6 lack the dexterity to brush their teeth adequately on their own. For most of their early childhood, you will need to monitor their brushing to ensure they are brushing appropriately and help them reach places they may otherwise miss, like their back molars. When you teach them to brush their teeth, there are a few things you want to instill in them.
Teach them to brush with a soft-bristle brush in gentle, circular motions for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of their teeth. One great way to help them through this process is by brushing your teeth with them. By brushing side-by-side, they can watch you and learn techniques while allowing you to supervise their brushing technique.
Make Brushing Fun
After teaching children under 6 how to brush their teeth, they may still not be interested in the activity. Instead, they may drag their feet and put off brushing in place of other, more fun activities. But, by making brushing a fun experience for them, you make it something they look forward to every day.
Consider taking your child down the oral care aisle at the store to allow them to pick their favorite brush. You may also want to play their favorite music while brushing to ensure they brush for the full two minutes. By setting this up as a fun activity, your children should be more enthusiastic about brushing.
Don’t Forget Flossing
While brushing is an incredibly important part of the oral hygiene routine of children under 6, it isn’t the only important task. Your child should also be flossing regularly to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. This activity should be incorporated into their routine as soon as your child has two teeth touching.
You may need to begin with more child-friendly flossing tools, like floss picks, which are easier for your children to use. When they are flossing, you want to ensure they floss between each tooth to remove any food debris and bacteria that may accumulate. By flossing regularly, you can protect them from cavities and gum disease.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Even if your child only has a few teeth, it is essential that you schedule regular dental checkups with a trusted provider. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling your child’s first cleaning by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth emerging. Regular checkups help detect signs of cavities and allow the dentist to provide preventive treatments.
If your children under 6 are nervous about visiting the dentist, there are a few things you can do to quell this anxiety. Read books or watch videos about dental visits to familiarize them with the experience. You may also consider choosing a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry, as this experience often helps children feel more comfortable.
Your Trusted Dentist for Children Under 6
If you are looking for a reliable dentist for your children under 6 in the Salt Lake City area, turn to our team at Avenues Dentistry for support. For decades, we’ve provided the most comprehensive and compassionate dental care to patients across the city. From standard cleanings to cosmetic procedures and everything in between, we’re the perfect team for your family.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for your children under 6 or have any questions for our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
