Teeth Tips Q and A

By Carol Byram:

A recent national study found that parents are not paying enough attention to their kids’ brushing and flossing routine.  Here are some tips from an expert:

Start with using the correct size soft bristle brush.  First, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle so that the bristles point toward your gum, which helps clean along the gum line where plaque builds up.  Then, move the brush in small circles as you clean each tooth individually, which ensures that you give each special tooth special attention!  Be sure to brush the insides as  well as  the outside of each tooth.

Tilt the toothbrush vertically when cleaning the insides of your front teeth, both top and bottom.  Brush the biting surfaces of your teeth with a back and forth motion, which will help get all the decay bugs and gunk.  Last, brush your tongue!  Note that children up to age 5 or 6 don’t have the dexterity of an adult and need an easier brushing technique.  We recommend the “scrub technique” where all the tooth surfaces are cleaned with a small circular motion with the bristles of the toothbrush.

Question #1 – How often should my children brush?   

Answer – Did you know that a third of all kids don’t brush before bedtime, after a day of snacking and meals?  Children should be brushing twice a day, optimally before bed and after breakfast.  If there’s a history of decay, they should brush after snacks, too.

Question #2 – How often should we change toothbrushes?

Answer – The AAPD recommends getting a new toothbrush every three or four months.  However, if the bristles become splayed, they no longer do the right cleaning job, so change sooner.  Also, get a new brush after a cold or virus to avoid spreading those germs.

Question #3 -- How do I know if my child is doing a good job brushing?

Answer – Simple answer:  he or she is probably not, so you have to check.  We really prefer parents to assist with brushing until children are 7 or 8 (when they can write in cursive legibly.)  But how to check?  Most people (adults included) miss the outside of the upper molars at the gum line and the lower molars next to the tongue.  Children also tend to miss the facial areas, and the resulting dull, dingy look is probably plaque.  A simple PLAQUE DETECTOR is made with food coloring and water.  Mix the solution and swab the teeth with a q-tip.  Voila! – the food coloring highlights the plaque!  Make sure to use good lighting when checking your child’s brushing habits.

Question #4 – How can I motivate my child to want to brush?

Answer – Great question, and the hardest to answer!  Make it fun, make them responsible for their own dental health.  Each child needs different motivation.  For little ones trying out their independence, remember you’re the parent and “because I said so” is often the only reason you need to give.  Try “the dentist says…” if that helps, since doctors and dentists are authority figures in their eyes.

Make sure to ask your hygienist on your next visit to our office to review good brushing techniques with your child!