A good oral hygiene routine is essential when children aren’t in the dentist’s office. Learning how to care for your child’s smile at home and then eventually allowing them to care for their own smiles will help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Dr. Dan Moheban and his office staff will also be glad to help you and your child if you have any questions about how to best care for your smiles. Here, we will review tips to keep in mind when it comes to oral hygiene for children from our Worcester, MA, office.
Oral Hygiene for Children in Worcester, MA
Even before your child’s baby teeth emerge, it’s important to get in the habit of taking care of their teeth. Not only will you be able to protect your child’s teeth when they finally do come in, but you’ll also be able to protect their delicate oral soft tissues from sensitivities or yeast overgrowth.
Before teeth come in, take a damp washcloth and gently wipe the gum tissue of both arches. Make it a habit throughout the day and especially before bedtime. After teeth come in, you can use a small child toothbrush.
Adult brushes will not work for your child’s smile because child brushes are softer and fit the mouth. Gently brush your child’s teeth after every meal, using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
There are many things that you can do to make your brushing fun. For example, you can play your child’s favorite song while brushing so they know how long to brush: we recommend two minutes twice a day. Also, encourage your child to “brush” their doll’s or plush’s teeth and their own teeth to make it a communal activity.
Once children reach about 9 years of age, it’s time to let them care for their own smiles. To help your child transition, monitor their brushing and flossing. When brushing, children should learn to brush in circular motions, beginning at the gum line.
They should hold the brush at an angle, gently brushing each tooth before brushing the tongue and roof of the mouth. Children should brush their teeth twice a day, first thing in the morning and before bed. In addition, children should floss at least once a day or more if there is a piece of food stuck between their teeth.
Our dental team can also give your child tips on techniques or areas to focus on as needed. We can also provide personalized advice to address common risk factors like cavities.
Oral Hygiene for Children FAQs
Learn more about oral hygiene for children in Worcester, MA:
Is fluoride toothpaste safe for my child?
Yes, fluoride toothpaste is safe for your child when used correctly. Fluoride helps protect teeth from cavities by making them stronger and more resistant to decay. For children under three, you should use a small smear or rice-sized amount of toothpaste. For children over three, a pea-sized amount is enough. Make sure your child doesn’t swallow toothpaste.
Should I use mouthwash for my child?
We recommend waiting until your child is at least 6 or 7 years old until they use mouthwash. Younger children may accidentally swallow the mouthwash. If you do decide to use mouthwash, choose one that is alcohol-free and specially made for kids. Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and freshen breath, but it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
How can I teach my child to floss?
Teaching your child to floss can be a fun and easy process if you take it step by step. First, begin flossing your child’s teeth for them when they have two teeth that touch. As they get older, you can let them try it themselves.
Demonstrate how to hold the floss and gently slide it between the teeth. Make sure they understand to curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape and move it up and down to clean the sides. For younger children, you can start with floss picks or tools designed for small hands, which may be easier for them to use.
Make flossing fun! You can use a favorite song or timer to make it more exciting for them.
What type of toothbrush is best for my child?
The best toothbrush for your child depends on their age and comfort. For babies and toddlers, choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head and a large, easy-to-grip handle. Some toothbrushes are designed specifically for babies and toddlers, with extra soft bristles and colorful designs to make brushing more fun.
For older children, look for a toothbrush with soft bristles, a comfortable grip, and a head size that fits their mouth well. As your child grows, you can choose a slightly larger toothbrush. However, it should still be soft enough to protect their gums.
Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective. Some children find electric toothbrushes easier to use and more fun, which can help motivate them to brush. But a manual toothbrush works just as well if your child prefers it.
What should I do if my child refuses to brush their teeth?
If your child refuses to brush their teeth, try these strategies to make it easier and more enjoyable for them:
- Turn brushing into a game or play their favorite song while they brush
- Use a toothbrush with fun colors or their favorite character on it.
- Make brushing a part of their daily routine, so they know it’s just what happens before bed and after breakfast.
- Brush your teeth at the same time to set a good example.
- Let your child pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Offer small rewards for brushing regularly, like a sticker chart or extra story time.
How can I prevent my child from getting gingivitis?
To prevent your child from getting gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, follow these steps:
- Make sure your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
- Teach your child to floss every day.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which can cause plaque buildup.
- Make sure child visits the dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and check-ups.
What should I do if my child has bad breath?
If your child has bad breath, follow these steps:
- Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day and flosses once a day to clean between their teeth.
- Make sure your child’s teeth and braces are clean after meals.
- Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep their mouth moist.
- See if your child has other symptoms like a sore throat or fever, which can cause bad breath.
- Take your child to our office, where we can check for problems like cavities or gum disease.
Why are baby teeth essential if they fall out?
The health of your child’s baby teeth are essential to their development. Baby teeth are needed to chew food properly. They allow your child to eat a variety of foods that help them grow strong and healthy.
Baby teeth also help your child form words correctly. If a baby tooth is lost too early, it can affect their ability to speak clearly. Baby teeth hold space in the mouth for adult teeth to grow in. If baby teeth are lost too soon, the adult teeth may not come in properly, leading to misalignment or crowding.
Caring for baby teeth helps set the stage for healthy permanent teeth. Cavities or infections in baby teeth can affect the health of the adult teeth underneath.
Call Our Pediatric Office
If you would like more information on patient services, visit For Patients. Do you have any questions about how to clean your child’s smile? Do you need to schedule your child’s next routine cleaning? Please call our office at (508) 625-5534. You can also schedule a dental consultation with us on our website.