Teeth cleaning tips for children
Get kids into a routine early to ensure they have gorgeous, healthy smiles later in life
Toothbrushing should begin early — first teeth develop in the gums before your child is born and come through at around six months, which is when cleaning should start. “When the first tooth comes through, start by rubbing it gently with a soft baby toothbrush or a disposable finger swab, and add a smear of toothpaste. When choosing a first toothpaste read the box — it should only have 1000ppm of fluoride,” advises Louise Douglas, dental advisor at the British Dental Health Foundation.
It’s a good idea to take your baby to the dentist when her first tooth comes through, so you can get advice on brushing and get her used to the experience. Mum-of-two Mimi was a dentist before she became a full-time mother to William, two, and Natalie, one month. She believes it’s important to be a good role model: “Let your baby see you brush your own teeth. I gave William a toothbrush to play with when he got his first tooth to help familiarise him with it.”
As more teeth arrive, use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste. All 20 first teeth should be through by the age of two. After your child is three, make sure the toothpaste contains 1350-1500ppm of fluoride.
Brush twice a day
Cleaning your child’s teeth should become part of your daily routine, before breakfast and last thing at night. “Brushing before breakfast strengthens teeth with fluoride before you eat,” explains Louise. “If you brush after a meal, the acids that build up while eating weaken the enamel and brushing can cause more damage.”
Brush in a circular motion — you may find it easier to sit or stand behind your child, cradling her chin in your hand so you can reach her top and bottom teeth easily. “Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste afterwards,” advises Louise. “But it’s important they don’t rinse, as this will wash off the fluoride that’s just coated the teeth.”
Make toothbrushing fun
Get your child enthusiastic about brushing by making it fun rather than a chore. “Let your baby see herself in the mirror and be positive about how much fun you’re having,” says Mimi. “Try brushing your child’s favourite doll’s teeth or find a song about brushing teeth — The Toothbrush Song from CBeebies is a good one! Flashy toothbrushes or flavoured toothpastes, such as strawberry or orange, are also good fun!”
Kelly, mum of Toby, two, explains the foolproof game they play: “I mention all the food Toby has eaten that day and pretend I can see it in his mouth. For example, while brushing the top-right I say, ‘Oh I can see the buttered toast you had for breakfast!’. Then I move to the top-left, ‘Over here I can see a bit of ham and pickle sandwich!’ In the bottom-right, I say ‘I can see spaghetti!’ and so on. Toby thinks it’s so funny!”
Baby teeth will start to fall out at six or seven years old and it’s important to supervise your child’s brushing until she is at least seven. Don’t forget she needs to brush behind teeth and on her gums.
Give your child lots of praise
Remember to encourage your child and give her lots of praise. Letting her put a star on a star chart every time she brushes her teeth is a good incentive, says Anne Davies, mum of Ada, two, and Johnny, ten months: “Since sticking the chart on the wall, Ada now lets us brush her teeth, brushes them herself and waits patiently while we brush her baby brother’s three teeth, before proudly filling in the chart with stickers!” When your child has collected lots of stars at the end of the week, you could reward her with a small toy or badge, or a treat, such as an extra bedtime story.
Teach your child healthy eating
Once your child is three, it may help to teach her about harmful sugary foods and drinks that can cause tooth decay.
Children shouldn’t have any fizzy drinks and should only drink juice that has been diluted at mealtimes. Between meals, offer sugar-free snacks such as breadsticks, rice cakes and cheese, or fruit. Sweets should only be eaten as treats and are best given after meals, as the extra saliva present in the mouth gives the teeth some protection.
Avoid giving children sweets that are sucked or chewed, such as lollipops or toffee, as these coat the teeth in sugar for longer. A piece of chocolate or cake is better, as the sugar dissolves quickly.
Find Out More
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The British Dental Health Foundation
www.dentalhealth.org.uk - NHS dentists (all children (under 18) are entitled to free dental treatment, but it can be a struggle to find an NHS dentist). Visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk to find practices with space
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Download our free Colgate toothbrushing chart
“I used to tell Georgia she could only have a funky kids’ toothbrush if she spent two minutes morning and night brushing her teeth properly. We used an egg timer and I supervised. She now does it automatically.”
Mandy, mum of Georgia, 8
Pictures: Jupiter Images
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