We #LovetoBrush – But When and How Often?

When and how often should my child brush/floss their teeth?

It’s hard getting your child to brush their teeth – there are so many other more interesting things for them to do, or so they think. However, you know how important it is that they brush often and regularly. One question we hear a lot from parents at our dental practice in Marylebone, London, is how often we should be making our children brush and floss, and we’re going to give you the low-down on that today – plus, find out how you can get involved in our #LoveToBrush campaign!

When should they start brushing their teeth?

Teeth should be brushed as soon as they’ve popped up, and the earlier you start them in the habit, the earlier your child can get accustomed to the routine of cleaning their teeth. Use a pea-sized amount of paste and start off with a soft toothbrush specifically designed for children.

How often should your children brush their teeth

Children’s teeth should be brushed twice a day, once in the morning and once at night before bed. At least two minutes should be spent brushing, focusing on all the surfaces, but especially the back teeth. The reason for this is because it’s a particularly sneaky area where cavities can develop. It’s a good idea to replace your child’s toothbrush around every four months and even sooner if it shows wear and tear before then. For our #LovetoBrush campaign, we’re hosting a toothbrush amnesty – bring in their old brush and we’ll swap it for a FREE oral care pack, including a new brush!

Flossing

You can begin flossing your child’s teeth once a day from when you can see at least a couple of teeth poking out. Sticks or picks might be better rather than string floss when they’re quite small. They can use flossing string once they’re older and floss at least once a day, preferably at night before bed.

If you keep an eye on your children’s brushing routine and make sure it’s kept up, they will have developed healthy habits that will last a lifetime, and a full set of healthy, happy teeth. And rest assured, we’re always here to listen to your concerns or queries regarding your child’s dental health!