“TOOTH BRUSHES and TOOTHPASTES” age appropriate choice

Undoubtedly, your child’s developing teeth need to be brushed daily to remain healthy and cavity-free. And of course, kids require different types of dental tools than adults as their eating pattern and attitude are different from an adult.

Here’s a guide to help parents choose the toothbrush and toothpaste for your little heads.

Fluoride or Fluoride-Free Toothpaste?

Fluoride is proven to be “nature’s cavity fighter”. However, ingesting too much fluoride can cause enamel mottling and discoloration, a condition known as fluorosis. Thus, it is called as double ended sword. But in an Indian scenario where there is no concept of water fluoridation, Pediatric Dentist recommend using fluoridated tooth paste. By around 2 years, your child start grasping the concept of spitting out toothpaste rather than swallowing it. Even after switching over to fluoridated toothpaste for kids, only use a pea-sized amount it doesn’t cause any harm even if they ingest it a little.

Toothbrushes for Babies:

We pediatric dentist recommend rubbing a damp cloth over your baby’s gums to clean away sugar and bacteria after each feeding and before bedtime.As soon as the first tooth erupts, you can start using a soft baby toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride-free toothpaste. The tiny toothbrush head makes it easy to fit in an infant’s mouth and it should be done in a knee-to-knee position.

Toothbrushes for Toddlers

By around 2, your toddler will want to participate in tooth-brushing time undoubtedly. But he might lack the motor control to do a good job yet, but let him have a turn regardless.

Get your child to the store and let him select a toothbrush with a design or cartoon character that will make him excited to brush every morning and night.

Toothbrushes for kids age 5 to 8

Your school-aged child is becoming more independent. He’s capable of holding the toothbrush himself, but you should still supervise to make sure he’s cleaning his teeth effectively.Toothbrushes for kids in this age range have slimmer handles and slightly larger heads. Continue to let your child pick out his toothbrush to keep him engaged in tooth-brushing.

Toothbrushes for Kids Ages 8 & Up

By about third grade, you child is ready to brush without your supervision. As long as you instilled healthy habits, you can confidently leave him to complete the task by himself.

Toothbrushes for older children look very similar to adult toothbrushes, but the heads are still slightly smaller, and the handles are shorter and fatter.

Power toothbrush recommendations:

Powered toothbrushes remain an appropriate option only for special children or those who lack manual dexterity and not recommended in normal children.

Teach Your Child When & How to Brush

• 1.Instill the following habits in your child…!
• 2.Brush each morning after breakfast.
• 3.Brush each night before bed.
• 4.Brush every surface of every tooth, right along the gum line, and the tongue.
• 5.Try to brush for a full two minutes. Keep your child engaged with tooth-brushing games.
• 6.Floss once a day. Begin helping your child floss as soon as two teeth erupt next to each other.
• 7.Replace your child’s toothbrush every three months, or when the bristles fray.