How do I know if I brush my child’s teeth correctly?

Brushing your child’s teeth can be difficult, especially with an unwilling participant, but with a few simple tips, we can help you to take care of your child’s teeth.

• Choose a position where you can easily see your child’s mouth. Sit your child on your lap or stand behind your child with the head tilted back slightly.
• Brush twice a day; after breakfast and before bedtime.
• Choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristled toothbrush.
• Brush the inside, the outside and the biting surfaces of teeth, ensuring you massage the gum line at a 45-degree angle using slight pressure.

You can also introduce flossing between molars once teeth have formed.

HOW CAN I BRUSH MY CHILD’S TEETH WHEN HE/SHE RESISTS OR WONT SIT STILL?

• Try having the child stand in front of you or, for smaller children, sit down with them on your lap or knee to knee with another helper. See video links on our website.
• Use a reward chart to encourage brushing.
• Sing nursery rhymes or play a favourite song.
• Give lots of praise and encouragement.
• Get creative and make brushing fun.
• If all else fails a gentle, firm head restraint seems to do the trick.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MY CHILD FROM GETTING CARIES?

• Limit snacking and ensure your child brushes his or her teeth afterwards.
• Limit exposure to acids such as soft drink, cordial and undiluted fruit juice.
• Encourage the child to drink more water (to up their fluoride intake).