
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been guilty of letting the kids fall asleep before brushing. Yep, we’ve all been there more than a few times. While the rare slip isn’t a big deal, it isn’t something we should let them get away with on a regular basis. “Cavities are a disease that affects overall health,” says Mario Ramos, DMD, of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Midland Park. “It’s important to teach kids good dental health habits now so they’ll keep them for a lifetime.”
At the top of the list: Making sure your kids brush every single day—and more than once. But your child may need additional hygiene steps because some kids are at higher risk for cavities.
“Almost every recommendation should be customized to the individual child,” says Elisa Velazquez, DMD, president of the New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and owner of Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates, with offices in Toms River, Cream Ridge and Manahawkin. “That’s why it’s helpful to have a relationship with a dentist so your child’s risks can be evaluated, and hygiene and cleanings can be customized.” Whether your child has one tooth or a whole mouthful, here’s how to make sure they are set up for good dental health:
Have them brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time. “Kids need to brush in the morning and before bed, although kids with orthodontics need to brush more often, such as after lunch, too,” says Velazquez. Studies have shown that two minutes is the ideal amount of time for brushing in order to remove all the plaque from every tooth surface. Make sure to brush the tongue, too, because the majority of bacteria in the mouth are on the tongue, says Ramos. While the tongue obviously doesn’t get cavities, it can hold onto bacteria, which then spreads to teeth. These bacteria cause bad breath, too, especially overnight.
Do it for them. Even though your little one wants to be independent, you’ll need to brush for little kids because they don’t yet have the manual dexterity to do it themselves. If they fight you, let them do it first before you finish up. Make sure you brush the whole mouth, even if they don’t have a full still of teeth yet. “You’re always going to do a better job than they will,” says Ramos. Most kids are ready to brush solo sometime between the ages of 8 to 10 (though this can vary) when you can supervise the brushing.
Use fluoridated toothpaste. New Jersey has the least amount of fluoride in drinking water than any state except Hawaii. “Topical fluoride hardens enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to cavities, so make sure you’re using a toothpaste that contains fluoride,” says Velazquez. If your child is too young to spit, use just a tiny smear. Then work up to a grain of rice, then a pea-sized amount. Even adults only need the amount that fits cross-wise (not length-wise) along the bristles.
Get the right toothbrush. “Everyone—and I mean adults and kids—needs to use soft bristles,” says Ramos. Stiffer bristles wear down enamel and damage gums. Look for the right head size, too. They’re sometimes sold by age, which corresponds to the size of the brush that will fit well in your child’s mouth. An electric toothbrush is fine, too, if it motivates your kid to brush, says Velazquez. Some electric toothbrushes also feature favorite characters or have music, lights and beeps to help that two minutes go by more quickly.
Don’t forget to floss. This is probably not your child’s favorite part of the routine, but it’s essential. “Brushes cannot get in between teeth, and that’s a common place where kids get cavities,” says Ramos. If you find using regular dental floss awkward inside your child’s mouth, it’s fine to use a flosser with a handle. Those come in fun shapes and colors to encourage kids to use them.
A fluoride rinse adds another layer of protection. If you’d like to add tooth protection to your child’s hygiene regimen, look for a rinse, especially if your child is at high risk for cavities. “But don’t use it as a substitute for brushing or flossing,” says Velazquez. Floss, brush and then use the rinse, making sure kids swish for a total of 60 seconds. It can be in 20-second increments, if necessary. Don’t let kids eat or drink—not even water—for at least 30 minutes after use. Any type of rinse is fine, as long as it contains fluoride and is alcohol-free so it doesn’t dry out your child’s mouth.