Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of MichiganDrs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates

Brushing Tips for Children

Quality Tooth Brushing

There are fewer habits more important to form than quality tooth brushing.

Stressing the importance of and integrating brushing teeth into the daily routine can be extremely simple and effective, especially while following these top 10 tips provided by Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan board certified doctors.

Tip 1: Children ages 7 and under should be assisted by an adult while brushing. An adult should supervise children over the age of six (until the age of 9 or so) until it is evident that they are brushing correctly on a regular basis.

Tip 2: Enforce brushing at least twice per day

Tip 3: Have children floss at night directly prior to brushing

Tip 4: Use fluoridated toothpaste once your child can fully spit out any remaining toothpaste without swallowing any sizable amount. Typically, this occurs around the ages of 5 or 6 (before that use a pea sized smear placed by an adult)

Tip 5: Encourage your kids to take their time! Without braces, children should be brushing for nearly 90 seconds. With braces, brush time should increase to 2 minutes or more

Tip 6: Make sure that your child isn’t brushing too hard. Applying too much pressure to the teeth and gums can cause irritation or even erosion of tooth enamel.

Tip 7: While brushing, make sure that your child cleans all surfaces of the teeth, including gum tissue

Tip 8: Don’t forget the tongue! Sweep bacteria away from the tongue during each brush. This helps freshen breath

Tip 9: For patients with orthodontic devices, Water Piks can be extremely useful in maintaining a clean and healthy mouth

Tip 10: Fluoride mouth rinses can be extremely helpful to patients prone to tooth decay if used appropriately. Monitor your child’s use of mouth rinse until they can use it responsibly

Happy Brushing!For more tips and tricks, be sure to check in with Pediatric

Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan.

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker and associates has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.

About Us

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of MichiganDrs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates

39400 Garfield Rd., Suite 200Clinton Township, MI 48038

586-286-0700www.mychildsteeth.com