Tips on BrushingPreventative pediatric dental care is the field of dentistry that focuses on keeping your child's teeth and gums healthy and free from decay. One of the simplest means of preventing dental ailments is practicing good brushing habits with your child. Our team at Sola Smile Co. understands that brushing a child's teeth regularly can be tedious and that many parents have questions about the proper way to accomplish this task. What Type of Toothpaste and Toothbrush Do I Need?For infants and toddlers, our team generally will recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small brush head and a large handle. The large handle is designed to reduce the risk of choking for your child. The soft bristles are intended to protect your child's sensitive gums from unnecessary irritation. Purchasing a toothbrush that features your child's favorite cartoon character is always a plus when seeking to make oral hygiene an enjoyable process. When purchasing toothpaste, it is important that you follow our professionals' recommendations and select an age-appropriate type. For children under two years of age, fluoride-free infant toothpaste is best. Once your child reaches two years of age, our team will let you know if you should switch to a fluoride toothpaste or stick with the fluoride-free variety. Keep in mind that kids usually like milder flavors, so strong mint toothpaste is probably not ideal. Choosing a toothpaste that your child enjoys and a toothbrush that they helped pick will make the brushing routine much easier. One easy way to find out if your child will like a particular flavor of toothpaste is by purchasing a small sample size and tasting it yourself. This will save you from purchasing a full-size tube of toothpaste only to throw it in the drawer and never use it because your child hates it. Bubblegum and fruit-flavored toothpastes are some of the most popular options with kids. How Long Should My Child Brush?Brushing times are the same for kids and adults. Your child should brush their teeth twice per day for two minutes per session. It is important that they hit all areas of their teeth during this two-minute period. If getting your child to brush for a full two minutes is a struggle, keep in mind that there are lots of free songs available online that guide your child through the brushing process and last right at two minutes. When Should My Child Floss?You should start flossing when your child has two or more teeth that touch. This will usually occur at around two or three years old. Flossing at this age may sometimes be difficult, but it is important to prevent debris from accumulating between your child's teeth. Our team can provide additional tips for an easier flossing process during your child's visit. Good brushing habits are the first step to keeping your child's teeth and gums in tip-top shape and save you time and money by eliminating the need for restorative dental treatments. Good brushing and regular dental visits with our team at Sola Smile Co. can set your child on the road to a lifetime of good oral health. If you are ready to schedule your child's appointment with our team, you can reach us by calling our office at 512-615-9405. |
HoursMon: 8:00am to 6:00pm Tue: 7:00am to 6:00pm Wed: 7:00am to 4:00pm Thu: 8:00am to 4:00pm Fri: By appointment only |