While it may seem like second nature to us adults, both brushing and flossing require good manual dexterity. Children don't usually develop good control of the toothbrush and floss until around age six. This is why it's so important for an adult to supervise the brushing of a child's teeth twice a day to ensure the removal of plaque. The process of brushing should last at least two minutes, but it may take more time (and patience) when there are young children involved. Helpful Tips for Brushing and Flossing a Child's Teeth: * Children's teeth that have big gaps in between are pretty easy to floss. For children with smaller spaces, try a flossing aid that can be easily and gently manipulated between the teeth. You may have to try different flosses/flossing aids until you find something your child is able to use on their own. Even if they're able to brush by themselves, they may need help flossing for a while longer. * Incorporate these tasks into your child's morning/evening routines, and eventually it will become as normal as eating dinner and taking a bath. * For younger children, sing their favorite song or a nursery rhyme while you brush their teeth. * Make the sounds ahhh or eeee to help the child open their mouth and part their lips the correct way when brushing. * Let your child pick out their own toothbrush - just make sure it's approved by the American Dental Association, it's soft bristled, and it's small enough for his/her mouth. * Brush your teeth together in the morning and at night so you can lead by example and instill the routine. * Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle with the bristles pointed in the direction of the gumline. If you aren't doing the brushing, show the child how to correctly hold the brush. Remember to demonstrate this in your mouth. * Gently brush the teeth with a circular motion. Brush the outside, inside and biting surfaces, as well as the front and back of the teeth. * Use a kid's toothpaste that has a pleasant, mild flavor for sensitive taste buds. Avoid using toothpaste that contains fluoride until the child is able to avoid swallowing it. * Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. * Take your child to Western Dental or another dental care provider every six months to keep their smile clean and healthy! Taking care of your teeth is a necessary lifetime commitment. When you teach a child something new at a young age and work with them on developing that skill, he or she will continue performing it well into adulthood. Not only are brushing and flossing critical to good oral health, but you should also take your child to the dentist beginning at an early age (just make sure they have teeth first). Western Dental services are available all across California, and they have a network of wonderful dentists who are good with both adults and children. Even if you're one of the lucky parents of a child who "likes" to brush their teeth, whether they alone can do a good job of it or not is another issue altogether. Some youngsters hate brushing and flossing their teeth and some really don't mind it at all.
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