TOOTHBRUSHING:

Toothbrushing should be performed by a parent or adult for all young children. Most children are unable to do perform this vital and necessary task adequately prior to 7 or 8 years of age.

1. Use a small, soft toothbrush in good condition. Toothbrushes wear out and should be replaced often. Apply a pea-sized portion of fluoride toothpaste for children who can spit and rinse. Use a non-fluoride toothpaste or plain water for very young children.

    2. Position your child facing in the same direction as you are.

3. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Using slightly firm pressure, brush in short circles.

                       

4.   Brush the outer surfaces,the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth. To clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth, use short sweeping strokes, tipping the bristles into the pits and crevices.

5. To clean the inside surface of the front teeth, position the brush vertically and use the tip of the brush in circular strokes.

Tip: Use an egg timer or sing a favorite song while brushing your teeth to get used to brushing for a full 2 minutes for children ages 5 and up. Some electronic toothbrushes have timers that let you know when 2 minutes are up.

Brushing for very young children may only require less than one minute. Brushing should be done once a day for very young children, twice a day for school aged children, and three times a day for teenagers and adults.