Author Name: Dr. Sandra Thompson
Kids pick up a number of habits from their observation of the adults in their life. Brushing teeth could also become something like that.
A child observes that brushing teeth is just one of the things that go into preparing for the day or before bedtime. They would see how parents brush their teeth softly, brushing all around the mouth and taking sufficient time for the job.
This kind of modelling is particularly effective for little children who need to understand the routine of good oral hygiene.
A tooth-brushing procedure within the family becomes most effective when it is associated with an activity that occurs regularly each day.
For instance, brushing teeth in the morning can be done after having breakfast and before heading off to school. Brushing teeth in the evening can occur after putting on pajamas and prior to telling a bedtime story.
Such a routine is likely to make brushing teeth a bit easier since the child would already be aware of what is about to follow.
The routine is not expected to be exactly the same in all families. There could be cases where some families have very early school mornings, many children to prepare, or varying caregivers depending on the days.
Having an adult brush their mouth can make it a part of the family routine rather than something the child alone has to perform.
This can be done while keeping things calm and using positive reinforcement. Rather than just stating, “Good job,” they can say, “You opened up nicely to reach your back teeth” or “You kept brushing till the timer rang.”
It is natural for a child to resist brushing sometimes. Brushing together does not mean that the child will co-operate all the time, but it helps to become familiar with the process.
Modelling, supervision, and hands-on help are different.
Modelling means letting the child see how an adult brushes.
Supervision means watching the child, providing reminders, and checking how well the teeth are being cleaned.
Hands-on help means the parent or caregiver physically brushes areas the child cannot clean effectively.
Children will require more direct assistance. They may be allowed more independence in their brushing as they develop improved coordination and technique. The American Dental Association suggests that children be assisted or monitored when necessary and provided with an age-appropriate soft-bristled toothbrush.
Busy mornings do not always leave much extra time. A practical routine can help brushing fit into activities that already happen.
A school-morning routine might be:
Breakfast → getting dressed → brushing teeth → final school preparations.
An evening routine might be:
Finish evening activities → change into pajamas → brush teeth → bedtime story.
Families do not need to follow these exact sequences. What matters is choosing a predictable point in the morning and evening when brushing is likely to happen consistently.
Parents can keep the process simple:
Everyone does not need to brush at exactly the same time. A parent can brush first, for example, and then help the child.
Brushing is required at least two times a day using fluoride toothpaste. The new guidelines recommended by ADA and AAPD suggest that a rice grain-sized smear should be used for children below three years of age. A pea-sized amount should be used by children from three to six years old.
A parent should help children with dispensing toothpaste instead of letting the children squeeze an excessive amount.
Children should also be taught to spit the extra toothpaste and not to swallow it once they are capable of doing so.
Use a soft bristled toothbrush having a head that can easily fit into the mouth of the child.
The ADA recommends brushing for about two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Parents can help children work around the mouth instead of repeatedly brushing the easiest front teeth. Gently clean:
Focus on areas which your kid is prone to overlook.
When the adjacent teeth are touching each other, then flossing in between may be required. Parents may seek the assistance of their children dentist in this regard. Brushing along with the kids helps them see the process, but the primary objective is to brush properly. An adult needs to step in if the child isn’t able to do it.
Just because a child does not want to brush his teeth doesn’t mean that he is intentionally being difficult. It could be due to the taste of the toothpaste. It could also be because of the way the toothbrush feels on his mouth.
Some children hate noises made by the toothbrush. It could also be because of the fact that some children gag.
Limited choices can also give children some control without making brushing itself optional. For example:
If discomfort or sensory difficulties regularly prevent effective brushing, parents can ask a pediatric dentist for individualized suggestions.
Simple tools can make the routine easier to understand.
A visual chart can show children that brushing comes before their bedtime story. A two-minute timer or song can help them understand how long brushing lasts.
Parents can also use specific praise:
“You let me reach all your back teeth.”
“You kept your mouth open while I helped.”
“You remembered to brush the other side.”
In case of a reward chart, non-food rewards would be more appropriate for the dental care program. The child will get stickers, select books to read at bedtime or engage in activities with the whole family.
Do not embarrass, threaten or make the child brush his teeth in competition. Quickness is not the point, proper brushing is.
There is not a particular date when every child magically gets ready to brush their teeth alone.
Ready implies coordination, skills, technique, and capability to reach all areas of the mouth. The transition process needs to be gradual.
The child may begin practicing and let the parent brush afterwards. Later on, the child may start to brush while the parent is observing. After some time, less and less observation will be needed as the child shows proficiency in the technique.
Holding the toothbrush does not mean that one is capable of brushing properly.
Traveling, late hours, school events, and even changes in caregivers may interfere with a good routine established.
The family can help with this problem by storing the child’s toothbrush and the fluoride toothpaste in a travel kit. It is also possible to inform grandparents, babysitters, or any other caregivers about the amount of toothpaste the child usually uses and the assistance they require.
In case of missing a brushing appointment, just follow the usual routine without any problems. No additional "catch-up" brushing should be done.
Professional assistance is necessary where there is repeated pain, bleeding, or difficulty by the child in accepting brushing, which leads to insufficient cleaning of the teeth.
Professional help is also required where parents have doubt about their child's skills in brushing and the extent of independence of the child.
Pediatric dental care for children in Centennial Hills can offer assistance on brushing positions, selection of toothbrush and toothpaste, and how to assist appropriately as the child grows up.
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