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Healthy teeth are important to your child’s overall health; they help your child eat. Strong oral care helps set good dental habits as your child grows. Poor oral care can lead to infection, disease, or other teeth problems. Regular tooth brushing is important for children, it helps to remove the bacteria and plaque that cause tooth decay and gum disease.¹

Good oral care in children is essential to starting a healthy lifetime habit. It’s good for children to start having their teeth brushed early so that they see tooth brushing as part of their daily routine. Children will need help and encouragement to develop this new skill.²

It is recommended that your children brush their teeth twice a day – in the morning and before going to bed at night. While baby teeth are temporary placeholders, keeping them healthy is very important for developing equally healthy adult teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that we all brush our teeth for two minutes each time concentrating a good portion of this time on the back molars. This is an area where cavities often first develop. Take turns brushing with your child, as he may need help.³

Remember though, it’s not just about how often your child brushes his teeth, but also how well he does it. You’ll likely need to help him until he gets the ability for gently scrubbing all of his teeth, front and back, in small circular motions. Help him grasp the motor function required by allowing him to hold onto the toothbrush while you guide. While many of us are accustomed to rinsing our mouths with water after brushing, this can reduce the fluoride that’s so helpful in preventing tooth decay. Teach your child to spit out the extra toothpaste.²

Help make dental hygiene fun with these tips:

1. Let your child choose his own toothbrush. He can pick one that has a favorite color or character.
2. Let your child choose the toothpaste. He can pick his favorite flavor.
3. Read books or watch videos that talk about dental hygiene.
4. Use a timer to make sure he brushes his teeth for 2 minutes. Or play his favorite song to help keep track of time.¹

Always contact your healthcare professional for better and more informed advice.

Mohammad Kamal Harb

Pediatrician

¹https://familydoctor.org/dental-hygiene-how-to-care-for-your-childs-teeth/

²https://www.healthyessentials.com/wellness-solutions/how-often-should-children-brush-their-teeth

³https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/brushing-flossing-child-teeth#