Q&A: How Do I Brush My Child's Teeth?

Quick Brushing Tips

1. Remember to brush twice a day. Once in the morning, and once just before bedtime.
   

2. Brush for at least two minutes—make it fun for both you and baby by singing a song while brushing!
   

3. Use a back and forth scrubbing motion to gently brush all surfaces (outer, inner and chewing) of your baby's teeth.
   

4. Replace the toothbrush when the bristles start to look worn, which usually takes around 3-4 months.
   

5. Fluoride in toothpaste protects your child's teeth from tooth decay by strengthening it. Fluoridated toothpaste containing at least 1000ppm fluoride prevents tooth decay. However, children can get fluorosis on permanent teeth from swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste. Fluorosis results in a change in colour or texture of the teeth.
   

6. To prevent fluorosis, ensure that an appropriate amount of toothpaste according to your child's age is dispensed and that your child does not swallow the toothpaste.
   

7. Bring your child for early dental checks for advice on the appropriate use of toothpaste.
   

8. Due to the concern for dental fluorosis, the recommendation for use of a smear amount (size of a rice grain) of 1000ppm fluoride (F) toothpaste for children below 3 years old should be limited to those at high-risk for dental caries. At the first dental visit, the dentist can determine your child's caries risk and make the appropriate recommendation for toothpaste use.
   

9. For children 3 years old and above, who are less likely to swallow toothpaste, use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
   

Related: 6 Tips to Make Brushing Teeth Fun for Kids

Baby's Visits to the Dentist

Do arrange regular visits to the dentist once your baby celebrates his/her first birthday. The dentist will be able to demonstrate how to brush your child’s teeth properly.

Related: Keep Teeth in Check

Be a Tooth Role Model

Your little one might fight you tooth and nail at first when you start brushing those adorable milk teeth, but keep at it. It helps if your child sees you brushing first, before you help your child do the same.

It’s important to set a good example and cultivate good oral hygiene practices in your kid as soon as you can. These practices will go a long way in ensuring your child has clean, bright and healthy teeth for life!

Read these next:

• The Importance of Your Dental Consultation
• Help Your Child Smile for Life
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC)