How to Brush Your Teeth: The Complete Guide for Kids
When it comes to taking care of your teeth, brushing is the most important step! Brushing your teeth removes any plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, and it also helps keep your smile healthy and sparkling.
If you are a parent that wants to help their child brush their teeth, here is a simple guide on how to brush your teeth for kids to make oral hygiene an easy part of their morning and bedtime routines! Along with scheduling regular appointments with a pediatric dentist, consistent teeth brushing promotes a healthy mouth and can prevent plaque, tartar, and gum issues from happening.
Why Brushing Your Teeth is Important
Healthy Teeth and Gums
The biggest reason to brush your teeth is that it helps keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy! If plaque isn’t removed, it can turn into tartar which can be more difficult to remove.
Clean and Fresh Breath
Another reason to brush your teeth is that it helps you have clean and fresh breath. No one wants to be near someone with smelly breath, so keeping your mouth clean is important.
A Beautiful Smile
Last but not least, brushing your teeth gives you a beautiful smile. Who doesn’t love a sparkling white smile?
How to Brush Your Teeth
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
The best way to keep healthy teeth is to brush them at least twice each day. A simple way to keep track is to brush once in the morning and again before bedtime. For even healthier teeth, try brushing after every meal.
Floss Before Brushing
Toothbrushes can clean the surface of your teeth, but they can’t reach the spaces between them. When you floss, you remove plaque and bacteria from in between your teeth. Floss once each day, either before you brush your teeth in the morning or at night before bed.
Use the Right Toothbrush
When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, size matters. Make sure to choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. This will help you reach all of your teeth easily, and it won’t hurt your teeth.
Pick Out Your Favorite Toothpaste Flavor
There are all sorts of different toothpaste flavors out there, so take some time to find the one you like best. Once you have your favorite flavor picked out, make sure to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush.
Brush in Gentle Circular Motions
When you start brushing your teeth, be sure to use gentle circular motions. This will help remove plaque and bacteria without harming your teeth or gums.
Don’t Forget to Brush Your Tongue!
Bacteria can also be found on your tongue, so be sure to give it a good brush when you’re finished with your teeth. You can use a toothbrush with bristles or a tongue scraper to clean your tongue.
Rinse and Spit
Once you’re finished brushing, give your mouth a good rinse with water. Spit out the water into the sink and then take a big gulp of water to swish around your mouth. Spit that out too, and you’re all done!
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Replace your old toothbrush with a new one every 3 or 4 months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray. A new toothbrush will give you a better clean, and it will help keep your smile healthy.
Store Your Toothbrush Away from Moisture
Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria, so it’s important to store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing your toothbrush in a bathroom cabinet where it can be exposed to moisture. Instead, opt for a drawer, a medicine cabinet, or let it air dry in a toothbrush holder on your bathroom counter.
Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
In addition to storing your toothbrush properly, you also need to keep it clean. Rinse your toothbrush with water after each use and allow it to air dry. You can also soak it in a little bit of mouthwash to get rid of any bacteria.
Get Cleaner Teeth with Your Dentist’s Help!
At Where Smiles Grow, we help kids and teens keep their teeth clean and healthy. Make an appointment for your child today at one of our three office locations in the New York Capital Region or contact us online anytime for more information.