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!
Looking for a dentist? Use our handy search tool!
Want more brushing tips? Check out:
Comments
Related stories
-
3 Ways to Reverse Gum Disease
Although gum disease can be easily avoided, it’s still one of the most common oral diseases affecting … Read More
-
Oral health issues that may arise with age
As you age, your body can experience shifts in health that affect your mouth in unexpected ways. … Read More
-
The Value of a Healthy Smile
So what is the actual value of good oral health? We live in a time and place … Read More
Sign Up Now
Tweets
Poll

Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 298 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 153 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 88 Likes
- 4 Delta Dental Protects Your Eyes with DeltaVision® Coverage 56 Likes
- 5 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 48 Likes
- 6 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 47 Likes
- 7 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 43 Likes
- 8 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 37 Likes
- 9 How COVID-19 Impacts Oral Health 34 Likes
- 10 People with Dental Benefits are Healthier 29 Likes
Most Commented