Did you know that you should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they have teeth to brush? While teeth brushing is essential, there are some common habits that can do more damage than good. Among these damaging habits, using too much toothpaste is one of them.
There’s a fine line between not enough and too much. According to the CDC, roughly 40% of children between the ages of three and six use too much toothpaste.
Fluoride is one of the most important ingredients in toothpaste. It is used to protect teeth from bacteria and decay. However, in excessive amounts, fluoride can cause harm to developing teeth.
Here’s what happens: excessive amounts of fluoride discolor enamel and cause pitting in a child’s teeth. The discoloration can range from white streaks to brown stains. While cosmetic corrections are available, the damage to the enamel is permanent.
To prevent this issue, we are providing you with some handy brushing tips that can help keep your child’s teeth in tip-top shape.
Respect the Daily Brushing Routine
Establishing good oral health habits starts and ends with routine cleaning and care. Make brushing and flossing a normal part of the day — once in the morning and once at night — so that the habit will carry on throughout life.
It’s important for children to learn proper brushing techniques early on. Until they have developed the fine motor skills to brush effectively, you should help them brush. Some children may be able to brush their own teeth as early as 8 to 10 years old. A good gauge to go by is whether your child can tie their own shoes.
Find the Fun in Oral Health Habits
Brushing and flossing can seem tedious if not downright boring. Engage your kids by helping them understand the long-term implications. It’s up to you to both impart your wisdom on the next generation and find a way to make it a fun experience! We’re here to help. Try brushing together, playing a special brushing song, or even making a weekly brush chart with special rewards to incentivize the activity.
Prep the Toothpaste Properly
Until your child is old enough to understand how much toothpaste they should be using, you will likely need to help them. This means doling out the correct amount of toothpaste to ensure your child isn’t overloading.
For kids under the age of three, use an amount equal to the size of a grain of rice. For those in the three-to-six age range, nothing more than the size of a pea is necessary.
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Want more brushing tips? Check out 3 Common Tooth Brushing Mistakes & How To Brush Properly
