Frequency of brushing in children
During the first months
Clean your baby’s gums at least twice a day with a clean, damp washcloth.
As soon as the first tooth appears
You can start using a small soft toothbrush, designed for babies, with a dash of toothpaste. Brush at least once a day and ideally at bedtime.
From 1 to 3 years
- Brush their teeth at least twice a day and always opt for a brush with soft bristles, the size of which is adapted to the size of the child’s mouth.
- Encourage him to hold the brush and do the movements himself as he seeks to imitate.
- Follow each meal and each sugary or sticky snack with brushing.
From 4 years old
- Let him brush alone then finish the task, to make sure that all the teeth are well cleaned since he will not have the required dexterity until around the age of 6 or even 8! Supervision is also essential to ensure the child does not swallow toothpaste.
- Establish a motivation method if required and here are some examples:
- Be a role model by brushing your teeth at the same time.
- Use a two-minute timer or hourglass.
- Establish a brushing schedule.
Insist on evening brushing. The production of saliva is less during sleep and its protective effect is thus diminished. Since most children’s medicines contain a lot of sugar, it is suggested to rinse the mouth and clean the teeth after ingesting them.
Rinse the brush well after use and make sure it air dries without touching others.
Wash your hands before and after brushing your teeth.
