If you’ve been searching for advice from a family or pediatric dentist in Los Angeles about how to care for your child’s smile, Crystal Dental Centers is here to help. One of the most important first steps is teaching your child how to brush his or her teeth. This is the foundation to a future lifetime of healthy smiles!
- Choose the Right Toothbrush
A toothbrush that is too large will make it impossible to clean narrow arches around your child’s mouth. Check the labels carefully. If your child is petite, it’s never a bad idea to go down a size.
- Select the Appropriate Type of Toothpaste
Until your child is old enough to rinse their teeth well and not swallow any of the toothpaste, stick to a fluoride-free “training” paste. Accidentally ingesting fluoride on a routine basis can cause upset stomachs. When your child is old enough, use a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste to keep their teeth strong and resistant to decay.
- Brush Long Enough
Efficient tooth brushing means spending enough time cleaning the teeth. Rushing through it or brushing too quickly will always leave hidden biofilm behind. Most pediatric dentists recommend brushing for two minutes, two to three times a day. Make circular motions, focusing on only one or two teeth at a time (including the gumlines.)
- Encourage Independence
Once your child shows interest, allow him or her to brush their teeth on their own. You can always go back behind them (which is what we encourage) to make sure that all of the areas are thoroughly cleaned. In fact, it’s best that you brush your child’s teeth for them at least once a day until they are old enough to tie their own shoes.
Make sure your child’s tooth brushing skills are on target by scheduling a checkup with a family or pediatric dentist today. For further information or to schedule an appointment at a Crystal Dental Center near you please visit http://CrystalDentalCenters.com or call 213.748.8448 .
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