Brushing your child’s teeth at an early age not only helps prevent tooth decay, but also introduces good habits. Additionally, many people do not realize that children do not have the dexterity to effectively brush their own teeth until age eight.
Electric toothbrushes are the best tool for cleaning teeth in both children and adults. However, if you are still using a manual toothbrush, here are some guidelines for effective brushing.
Brushing Instructions for Manual Toothbrush
- Use a rice-size amount of toothpaste for children under the age of four; use a pea size for children over the age of four.
- Use gentle circular motions along the front side of the teeth, working your way around from one side of the mouth to the other.
- Follow the same method for the back side of the teeth.
- Use gentle back and forth motions to brush the biting surface of the teeth.
Brushing Instructions for Electric Toothbrush
- Let the toothbrush do the work.
- Gently hold the electric toothbrush on the surface of the tooth, working your way around the mouth in the same manner as when using a manual toothbrush.
- Do not make circular or back and forth motions when using the electric toothbrush.
Adams and Cheek Dentistry starts seeing children around the age of two for checkups, with cleanings beginning around age three. Please call us at 919-866-1360 or click here to schedule an appointment.
For more information on motivating children to brush their teeth, click here.
