Tooth brushing

How to brush your child's teeth

• Using a damp washcloth or piece of gauze, gently rub it over your infant's gums to help clean the mouth.
• A soft toothbrush, wet with water, may be used after your infant has developed some teeth.
• Consult your child's dentist regarding the appropriate time for your toddler to begin using toothpaste.
• Only a very small amount of toothpaste should be used because young children will often swallow the toothpaste, instead of spitting it out.

Using a circular brushing motion

Generally, most dentists recommend a circular technique for brushing. This includes brushing only a small group of teeth at a time and gradually covering the entire mouth. Follow these guidelines:

• Place the toothbrush beside the teeth at a 45-degree angle.
• Gently brush teeth only a small group of teeth at a time (in a circular or elliptical motion) until the entire mouth is covered.
• Brush the outside of the teeth, inside of the teeth, the chewing surfaces and in between each tooth.
• Gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

Repeat steps one through four at least twice daily, especially after meals and snacks.

Note: Because every child's mouth is different, there is more than one technique of brushing that has proven to be effective. Consult your child's pediatric dentist to determine which brushing technique is most appropriate for your child's mouth.

Reasons to avoid a back and forth brushing motion

A back and forth motion may cause the following:

• a receded gum surface
• an exposed and tender root surface
• a wearing down of the gum line

What type of toothbrush is best for my child?

Your child's toothbrush head should be small — about 1 inch by 1/2 inch — and should have a handle suitable for firm grasping. The bristles of the brush should be soft, nylon, and rounded at the ends. This helps ensure that the brush bristles are reaching the spaces between the teeth as well as the surface. Some brushes are too abrasive and can wear down the enamel on teeth. Thus, in most cases, medium and hard bristles are not recommended.

How often is brushing necessary?

Generally, brushing is recommended twice a day for at least three to four minutes each time. People generally think they are brushing long enough, when, in fact, most people spend less than one minute brushing. In addition, it's generally better to brush three to four minutes, twice a day, instead of brushing quickly five or more times throughout the day.

Dentists advise brushing your teeth during the day while at work, school, or play. Keeping a toothbrush handy — in your desk or backpack — increases the chances that you will brush during the day.

The importance of fluoride

Fluoride is the most crucial ingredient in toothpaste. As long as a toothpaste contains fluoride, the brand, nor type (paste, gel, or powder) generally doesn't matter.

Avoid advertising hype

Some toothpastes offer tartar control pyrophosphates to prevent the build-up of soft calculus deposits on teeth, while others offer whitening formulas to safely remove stains making teeth brighter and shinier. But, contrary to clever advertising and popular belief, fluoride is the true active ingredient that works the hardest to protect your teeth.