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For National Children’s Dental Health Month, General Dentist Ola Hassan shared with us her top tips for toothbrushing for children.
Tip 1: Teeth should be brushed as soon as they come through
It is important to begin brushing your children’s teeth as soon as they come through. Toothbrushing is advised before breakfast and before bedtime using fluoridated toothpaste - a minimum of 1000ppm (parts per million).
Below you can see the correct amount of toothpaste for your child’s age:
Tip 2: Assist with brushing
Parents/carers must either complete the brushing or supervise their child’s teeth brushing. Ola recommends an adult should assist until a child can tie their own shoelaces independently.
Tip 3: Ask your child to just spit the toothpaste out, no rinsing!
Ensuring your children don’t rinse their mouth out allows the teeth to absorb some ‘good stuff’ from the toothpaste which helps to make the teeth stronger.
Tip 4: Use mouthwash at the right time and right age
Kids using mouthwash right after brushing is a rather ineffective, as you’re just washing off all the fluoride from the toothpaste. From age 6 if your child is able to swish with mouthwash and spit it out without swallowing, you can have them get an extra dose of fluoride and its protective mechanisms right after school when they’re not brushing their teeth.
Just remember, mouthwash is not a replacement for toothbrushing! It is not always needed if your child is brushing well and has a low sugar diet.
It is essential to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, and the same goes for your children. Ola treats little ones as young as 6 months old, so secure an appointment today by calling 01442 331 900 or complete an enquiry form here.
