Keeping your child’s teeth sparkling clean is easier than you think, and it all starts with prevention. Cavities and gum health issues are much easier to avoid than fix, so building good brushing and flossing habits early sets children up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. It’s simpler than you think, and we’re here to break it down into easy steps!!
This guide is packed with simple, fun tips to teach your kids proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Why Prevention Matters
Starting dental health habits young helps kids see them as a normal part of their day, just like washing their hands. Ideally, you can start the process while your child is still a baby. As soon as that first tiny tooth peeks through, you can use a soft, damp cloth or a silicone finger brush.
Then, as they grow, toddlers usually love copying their parents, so make it a family routine to show them how it’s done!
As soon as your child can hold a brush, let them try. Have them brush first (maybe while you are brushing your teeth), then you brush when they are done. This gives a child plenty of time to practice and learn how to brush their teeth effectively, forming a habit that will benefit them for their whole life.
Brushing Basics for Kids
Brushing doesn’t have to be a battle. Here’s how to make it fun and effective:
Make It Fun
Try a brushing app, sing a silly song, or let them pick a toothbrush with their favorite character. Praise them for a job well done!
Pick the Right Tools
- Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head that fits comfortably in your child’s mouth. Hard and medium bristles can injure gums and wear down teeth, especially when used with too much pressure.
Pick a brush that is the right size. A 2-year-old, 10-year-old, and adult each have different-sized mouths, and each needs a toothbrush that fits.
Electric brushes can be great for kids because they’re fun and do some of the work for them! Studies show electric toothbrushes can remove more plaque than manual ones.
Finally, replace your toothbrush, or the toothbrush head every three to four months. If the bristles get worn out sooner, replace it. Worn out bristles are not as effective at cleaning.
- Toothpaste: A small amount of toothpaste is all you need. Kids under 3 (or who haven’t yet mastered the skill of spitting out the toothpaste) should use a rice-grain size of fluoride-free toothpaste. Kids 3 and up can use a pea-sized bit of toothpaste with fluoride, since fluoride helps strengthen teeth against decay. Bonus points for toothpaste with xylitol—it helps kill cavity-causing bacteria!
Brush Twice a Day – Morning and night.
Plaque can form within 24 hours, so brushing just once a day may not be good enough, and try to never miss an entire day!
Teach the Technique
Step 1: Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. This helps clean both the tooth surface and the area just under the gums where food and plaque can hide.
Step 2: Brush gently in small circles, covering the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth. The technique for using an electric toothbrush is a bit different than brushing with a manual toothbrush. If your toothbrush has an oscillating head, hold the brush in place on each surface of each tooth for a couple of seconds. Other electric brushes may require a different technique, so be sure to read and follow the instructions included with your toothbrush.
Step 3: Be sure to brush everything! Don’t forget the inside surfaces of each tooth, the chewing surfaces, and especially the very back teeth. Gently brush the tongue and roof of the mouth as well to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
Step 4: After brushing, encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste, so they don’t swallow the plaque and bacteria that was just brushed off!
Tip: Brush for younger kids until they’re about 6 years old, then supervise until they master it on their own (usually around 6 or 7 years old). Young kids often like to “do it all by myself,” so a good compromise is to let them go first and you can follow up when they’re finished.
Flossing: The Secret Weapon
Why is Flossing So Important?
Flossing only takes a couple of minutes a day, but it makes a huge difference in preventing cavities between teeth and keeping gums healthy. It’s a simple yet powerful step in your prevention strategy!
Flossing is just as important as brushing because it cleans between teeth where brushes can’t reach.
Here’s how to make flossing a breeze:
Start Early – Begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that touch! If you have older children, begin the habit now! Childhood is an optimal time to create healthy patterns that last a lifetime, but it is never too late to start a healthy habit. Kids learn by example, so just like with brushing teeth, let young children see you floss and learn by copying you.
Floss Every Day – Floss before brushing to clear out debris so the toothpaste can work its magic. Research suggests flossing before brushing can lead to less plaque between teeth.
Step-by-Step Flossing Mastery!
Step 1: Use about 18 inches of floss or a floss pick (kids love these!).
Step 2: Gently slide the floss up and down between the teeth, curving it around each tooth in a “C” shape.
Step 3: Move up and down along the tooth all the way down to the gum line, but be gentle to avoid hurting gums!
Step 4: Use a clean section of floss for each tooth. You’ll also need to use a new floss pick or a fresh section of string floss every day. Used floss doesn’t work as well and can harbor bacteria.
Tip: Look in the mirror while flossing, and teach your kiddos to do this, too! It helps you see what you’re doing and identify any areas that might need extra attention. If you’re using a floss pick and it looks like it’s shredding or has debris, toss it and grab a new one!
Help Until They’re Ready
Most children will be able to brush a few years before they are able to floss effectively, and will still need help flossing until around 8–10 years old, when their dexterity improves. Even after they start trying to do it on their own, it’s a good idea to supervise to be sure they’re doing it right and getting their teeth completely clean. If you notice red or bleeding gums, please mention it to us at the next check-up.
Keep It Fun and Consistent
Kids thrive on routine and praise. Set up a reward chart for brushing and flossing, or listen to music and make it a family dance party while you all clean your teeth. Lead by example—when kids see you brushing and flossing daily, they’ll want to join in!
Special Tips for Kids with Braces
Braces are awesome for straightening teeth, but they can be a magnet for food and plaque. It is especially important to learn the right brushing and flossing techniques after getting braces put on. So, while you’re at the initial appointment, ask questions and be sure to find out everything you need to improve your brushing routine. Extra care keeps teeth and brackets shining:
Brush After Every Meal – Food gets stuck in braces easily, so brush after eating—even snacks. Before bed, do an extra-thorough job.
Master the Brushing Technique
Step 1: Don’t forget to remove any removable parts (like elastics) before brushing!
Step 2: Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and gently clean teeth above, below, and around the wires and brackets. Carefully get in between the teeth and underneath the braces, and be sure to clean your braces as well. Brush gently: top to bottom, back and forth, and in circles.
Step 3: Brush all tooth surfaces, the tongue, and the rest of the mouth.
Floss Like a Pro
- Use waxed floss or a floss threader to glide under wires. Waxed floss is a good choice for braces as it’s less likely to shred, and Platypus flossers are great for braces, too.
- Floss daily, gently curving around each tooth and under the gumline.
Ask the Dentist – At your braces appointment, ask for a brushing and flossing demo. We’ll show you the best tricks for keeping braces clean.
The Bottom Line
Prevention is the key to a healthy mouth, and brushing and flossing are the dynamic duo that make it happen. By starting young, keeping it fun, and being consistent, you’re giving your child a gift: a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
We’re Here to Help!
Remember, dental health is a team effort! If you have any questions about brushing, flossing, or need tips for encouraging your child to embrace these healthy habits, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help you and your family achieve those sparkling, healthy smiles!