Everyone needs to practice good oral hygiene, and it’s important that children do the same. The Smile Team is here to make sure that your kids have a healthy and beautiful smile. We are here to give you the right information you need to better understand good oral care for your kids.
Toothbrushes
What is the best toothbrush for kids? When compared to a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush results in cleaner and healthier teeth. However, it is recommended that kids three years and younger use a manual toothbrush. Because their teeth are still developing, they typically have more sensitive teeth, which could be damaged by using an electric toothbrush. Manual toothbrushes are therefore a safer choice for kids three years and younger. The good news is, that older children can definitely use an electric toothbrush!
Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Are fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes safe for kids? Although toothpastes with fluoride are safe, there are still safety measures to follow! When using toothpaste that includes fluoride, it’s a must to dab a small, pea-sized amount onto the brush head. Larger amounts of toothpaste can harm developing children. This also applies to mouthwash. Mouthwash is safe for kids to use, but only for ages six and up. Younger children should not be exposed to that much fluoride in their bodies. It’s safe to ask your dentist when your children are ready to use fluoride-based toothpastes and mouthwashes!
Oral Care Habits
Here are some healthy habits your kids should develop for better oral care:
- Make sure your kids brush twice a day.
- As parents, you should always help kids brush until the age of six or seven.
- For babies, wipe their gums twice a day.
- Once a child’s teeth have fully grown, start flossing!
- Introduce them to less sugary and sticky foods and drinks like sodas and chocolate.
- Most importantly, visit your dentist twice a year for cleanups and checkups.
Fun Fact: Cavities are most common for kids and 52% of children get them!
Call Today!
If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child, we welcome you to call Scarborough’s dental team at 416-546-5599. We are located in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, at Markham and Ellesmere, also serving patients from Markham, Pickering and Ajax, Ontario. We are excited to assist your family with all of your dental needs!