Toddlers teeth can prove very problematic…first you get all the fun of teething with your child being more grizzly than normal with bright red cheeks and non-stop dribble and then you have the new problem of trying to brush these new shiny teeth!
It’s important to brush your child’s teeth from the minute they poke through the gums to ensure good oral hygiene. The teeth should be brushed every morning and every evening. Using a toothbrush specifically designed for their age. We recommend aquafresh little teeth toothpaste. It is important to use only a smear of toothpaste for children up to the age of 3 and then a pea sized amount for children aged 3 to 6. This ensures they’re getting the right amount of fluoride.
For children aged 0-2 use a toothpaste that contains 1000ppm (parts per million) fluoride and for children aged 3 and above use a toothpaste containing 1000-1500ppm. This again ensures they are getting the right amount of fluoride for their age.
Like most children they like independence so allow your child to brush their teeth first, encouraging them to brush at the back & the front and either side. Then try and get around yourself with the toothbrush to ensure no tooth has been missed – this can be a tricky job!
Younger children may just chew their brush. Don’t worry about this, it’s all just getting them used to the routine of good oral hygiene and making sure they have fluoride on their teeth.
There are lots of ways to try and make tooth brushing more fun and less of a ‘chore’ for your child.
Here are some tips:
Putting on a song whilst brushing to encourage longer brushing times
Helping each other brush
Brushing at the same time as your child – remember you’re their biggest role model, if they see you do it they’ll want to do it too
Using tooth brushing in role play – brushing their dolls and teddies teeth
Using encouraging language, smiles and lots of praise whilst brushing
Let them help pick their toothbrush from the shop – toothbrushes should be changed every 3 months
Most of all have fun with it…
