Children should brush twice per day and floss once, just like their parents. Kids need help with brushing and flossing until around age seven or eight, and even after that, parents should check in with their children about brushing and flossing.
If you have an infant, did you know that oral care begins before the first teeth arrive? It's true. Parents can begin wiping their baby's mouth out with a warm cloth after feedings. This removes any bacteria left in their mouth after a feeding. It also helps them get used to oral care.
Make Brushing and Flossing Fun
Making home care fun for kids doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some ideas:
- Let kids choose their tools — Brushing becomes more interesting when you get to choose a fun toothbrush and your favorite flavor of toothpaste.
- Set a timer — Time their brushing session with a fun song (or a timer) to help them reach the two-minute mark.
- Track their progress — Use a fun sticker chart to track their two-minute goal progress.
- Offer simple rewards — Set goals for reaching their two minutes and reward them with a small treat, like a pack of sugar-free gum or an ice cream cone.
If it's time for your child's next teeth cleaning and checkup, contact your Mountain View and San Jose pediatric dentists to schedule an appointment.