If you are wondering what is the correct age to start brushing your kid’s teeth, you might be surprised to know that you should start brushing you baby’s tooth as soon as the very first tooth comes out; usually starts with the lower front tooth by 6 to 9 months of age.
Benefits of Introducing Early Brushing in Kids
1st reason: Initiating brushing at early ages help the kid to get used for brushing, they never resist form brushing in their later life thereby it helps to maintain healthier teeth.
2nd reason: As soon as the tooth comes into the mouth, the tooth gets exposed to n number of things like the stuff we eat, drink, bacteria itself in mouth and saliva all together forms smear layer on the tooth which is called plaque. Plaque provides shelter for bacteria their by helps in multiplication and activity of bacteria leads to tooth decay and gum problems. So brushing helps to remove tenacious plaque on teeth their by healthier teeth.
Are there any special toothbrushes available for kids?
Yes, till baby turns one and half years of age use baby toothbrushes they are good enough to remove plaque from teeth other than baby brushes finger toothbrushes and silicon tips are available but they are not as effective as baby toothbrushes in removing plaque.
From 18 months of age shift from baby brush to junior brush with little bigger head & soft bristles.
Battery operated brushes are as good as manual brushes and they are recommended from 6 years of age.
How to do brushing in kids
While performing brushing on a baby who is under 2 years of age take a knee to knee position flip the lip up processed on upper teeth for lower teeth flip the lower lip out, for back teeth use the index finger to pouch inside the cheek pull it little outwards.
Position for brushing toddler 2 to 3 years take the baby on lap, rest their head on your upper body, secure their body with one hand then start brushing your toddler’s teeth.
From what age kids can brush by their own
Till 6 years of age parents or primary caregivers should brush for their kids. From the age of 6 to 10 brushing should happen in the supervision of parents or caregivers.
Toothpaste recommendations for kids
Fluoride is one main ingredient in toothpaste to look for its presence as it helps in preventing loss of calcium from the tooth.
Based on fluoride toothpaste are of 3 types:
- No Fluoride: Contains 0 fluoride, used in under 1 year of age
- Less Fluoride: Contains 500 ppm fluoride. Recommended in 1 to 3 years age, provided baby has good oral health. Presence of any cavitated tooth indicates baby at high risk of dental caries, advised to use regular toothpaste.
- Regular Fluoride: Contains 1000 ppm fluoride. Recommended from 3 of age onwards
Amount of Toothpaste to use for brushing
1 to 3 years of age use smear of toothpaste which is pressed into the bristles. From 3 to 6 years of age peanut-sized amount of toothpaste is used.
When to Brush
Tooth brushing should happen twice daily. Once in the morning and once at nights.
Brushing at nights before going to bed helps to remove the plaque from teeth and prevents dental caries and gum problems. Brushing in the morning helps to provide fresh feel or fresh breath as we all know at nights body reflexes are relaxed that’s where even our saliva production gets little reduced that helps the bacteria to active in mouth whole night leads to bad breath once we get up in the morning.
When it comes to brushing your kid’s teeth, remember –
- Introduce early brushing as soon as the first tooth comes in mouth
- Perform twice daily brushing
- Less intake of sugars in diet followed by regular dental visits will help your kid to maintain good oral health entire their life.
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