Kids Are Using Too Much Toothpaste | Bad Dental Health Habits

You might know it’s important for children to start brushing their teeth as soon as they have teeth to brush. However, do you know there’s a right way and a wrong way to brush? And do you know the right way?

 These four brushing tips can help get your child off to a good start.

Be Sensible With Toothpaste

Let’s start at the very beginning, with the stuff you put on your brush.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly 40% of children between the ages of 3 and 6 use too much toothpaste. While the fluoride in toothpaste is vital in preventing tooth decay, too much fluoride can cause kids’ tooth enamel to become discolored. The discoloration is usually in the form of small white spots and doesn’t harm the tooth, but it can easily be avoided by following these recommendations.

Respect the Daily Brushing Routine

Make brushing and flossing a normal part of the day. By insisting that your kids brush and floss once in the morning and once at night, you’re helping ensure that that behavior carries on forever.

Find the Fun in Oral Health

Brushing and flossing can seem tedious. Get kids engaged by making it a fun experience! Try brushing together, playing a special brushing song, or even making a weekly brush chart with special rewards. Check out other kid’s dental health activities here. Whatever fun brushing tools you decide on, we’re here to help.

Be Age-Appropriate

Are you confident that your child can brush productively, without gnawing on the brush or swallowing toothpaste? If not, they’ll need your help, whether that means prepping the toothpaste or doing the brushing for them. Remember to be gentle and make it fun!

For kids under the age of 3, use an amount equal to the size of a grain of rice. For those in the 3-6 age range, nothing more than the size of a pea is necessary.

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Want more brushing tips? Check out:

• Brushing Teeth with Braces | A Dentist’s Guide

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