Many parents face the same challenge: teaching their little ones good oral hygiene for kids.

Learning good tooth brushing and flossing habits can make a big difference in long-term dental health. In 2010, Health Canada’s report on Canadian dental health found that since the 1970s,  tooth decay has dropped from 74% to 23.6% in kids. Between dental clinic visits and greater importance placed on oral hygiene programs in schools, it’s no wonder this has dropped. 

However, teaching good habits starts at home. This guide to oral hygiene for kids gives parents some ideas on how to teach their kids how to brush their teeth properly and introduce flossing. 

Oral Hygiene For Developing Kids

Before we jump into oral hygiene tips and tricks for kids, let’s look at key milestones in children’s development and what you, as a parent, should focus on. 

Infancy (0–12 months): Before your baby’s teeth start appearing it’s important to wipe their gums with a soft cloth after a meal. This removes bacteria and starts getting your baby used to oral hygiene. 

Toddlers (1 – 3 years old): As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. It’s a good idea to book your first dentist’s visit by age one. 

Preschool And Early Years (3 to 7 years old):  Keep teaching your child good brushing habits. As soon as teeth start touching, introduce flossing. You may need to floss their teeth for them at first. 

Pre-Teens (8 to 12 years old): Teach your child to brush their teeth and floss them independently. This is the time to encourage them to make better choices around foods and reduce their sugar intake. 

Creating Routines: Daily Oral Hygiene For Kids

There are three things to focus on for oral hygiene habits for kids: 

Brushing Teeth

Children should brush their teeth two times a day for intervals of two minutes. The best kinds of toothbrushes for little kids are small-head, soft-bristled toothbrushes. They reach teeth in the back more easily and make for a better experience. 

Teach your child to clean all surfaces of their teeth using circular motions: from the outward-facing and inward sides. 

Flossing Teeth

As soon as teeth begin touching, you will need to start teaching your child about flossing their teeth. Flossing prevents tooth decay from getting to parts of the teeth where brushing can’t.  There are two key ways to floss teeth: using traditional floss and dental floss picks.  

For traditional flossing, show your child how to wrap about 18 inches of floss around one finger on one hand and around another finger on the other hand. Show them how to move the floss on their finger once they’re flossing their teeth. Have them start on one side and move to the next side of the mouth. Dental floss picks are easier to use for little kids. Have your child wash the floss in between flosses. 

Mouthwashes 

When your child is about six years old and capable of gargling, introduce them to mouthwashes. Choose those without alcohol, designed for children. From garling to swishing mouthwash around their mouth, this habit helps with improving cleaning and reducing bad breath. 

Ways To Make Oral Hygiene Fun For Kids

Oral care can seem like a chore for little kids. However, there are things parents can do to make it a fun morning and evening routine. 

A Customized Experience: Choosing A Fun Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Give your child the power to choose a kid’s toothbrush and toothpaste. Toothbrushes come in a variety of styles with favourite characters. Toothpaste is available in various flavours. Some children don’t like mint-flavoured toothpaste. 

Fun Song Or Game

There are many fun toothbrushing songs you can use to keep your child entertained. Sometimes the best ones are those you create yourself. Also, consider timers and apps that make toothbrushing a fun challenge. Kids love gamified activities and this can easily apply to their oral care. 

Be A Role Model

As the saying goes “monkey see, monkey do”. When you start brushing and flossing your teeth as a family, your child will start to model their behaviours after you. They will learn that it’s an important part of their daily hygiene routine. 

Family Dentistry: Midland Bay Dental

When your child starts learning about oral care from the beginning, they improve their chances of good oral health for life. 

While brushing and flossing teeth, and later on using mouthwash are important oral care routines, here are a few other things you can teach your kids: 

• The importance of hydration: drinking water versus sugary drinks, and rinsing after meals.
• Making wise food choices: limiting sugary drinks and snacks, particularly those that cling to teeth. 
• Regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups

Is it time to have your child’s teeth checked? We pride ourselves on providing expert family dentistry. We offer dental crowns and bridges, regular cleaning and checkups, and more intensive procedures like tooth replacement, cosmetic dentistry, and teeth whitening.

Contact Midland Bay Dental to book an appointment online or call us at (705) 526-6441. Follow Midland Bay Dental on Facebook.