Why You Should Be Brushing Your Child’s Teeth and Not They Themselves

Who does not love those adorable pearly whites in a child’s mouth! Those tiny milk teeth not only help your child with chewing food but make for memorable childhood photographs! A lot of us assume that milk teeth needn’t be as fussed over as permanent teeth but there are many reasons to take care of your little ones’ gums and teeth and there is a right technique to do so. That’s what we’re here to help you with!

Why Milk Teeth Need Special Care

Milk teeth are the first set of teeth that come in at around 6-7 months. Around 6 years of age, milk teeth start falling off, but a few of them, like molars, stay in the mouth until around 11-12 years of age.

 While parents would be aware that baby teeth are the space-holders for adult (permanent) teeth, and play an important role in absorbing nutrients properly, what they often don’t know is the following:

• Milk teeth health also affects the health of future permanent teeth
• Research has shown that cavities in milk teeth increase the risk of cavities in adult teeth by three times!

Hence good preventive care of milk teeth is a must! If proper care is not given to milk teeth, the build-up of bacteria in the mouth can cause infections and cavities.

How to Choose Oral Care Products and How to Brush Your Child’s Teeth the Right Way?

Usually, under 5 years of age, Kids are yet to develop motor skills effective enough to brush properly. Hence it is important that you brush their teeth. And while you do that, follow the right technique.

Before we get to the technique, let’s talk a bit about what kind of products you can use. Parents must understand that milk teeth are softer and have thinner enamel which makes them prone to cavities. Using toothpaste with a robust anti-cavity formula is a must. The Colgate Kids 3-5 Years toothpaste which is designed for milk teeth care is a sound option as it protects the thinner enamel of milk teeth and prevents cavities. And if you’re worried about harsh ingredients, this one has no artificial flavours, preservatives, colours or sweeteners. Coupled with the super-soft Colgate Kids 3-5 years toothbrush, your kid’s oral hygiene is sorted!

Coming back to the technique, whenever you brush your child’s teeth, always stand behind their back to access the hidden corners of their mouth. You can also lay your child on your lap to brush their teeth. The steps of brushing teeth are as follows:

Step-1: Apply a rice grain-sized (for babies below two years)/pea-size (for babies above two years) amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush.

Step-2: Hold the toothbrush touching the gum line (the line where the gum and teeth meet) at a 45-degree angle.

Step-3: Start at the gum line and brush gently back and forth all the way to the chewing surface of the tooth.

Step-4: Brush the outer and inner sides of the chewing surfaces using short sweeping motions.

Step-5: Turn the brush vertically and make up-and-down gentle strokes on the inner side of the front teeth.

Step-6: Now, turn your attention to side teeth (that include canines and molars). Lip the cheek up and brush gently. You must move the brush in outward, inward, top, and criss-cross motions.

Step-7: Brush for a total of two minutes every day and night and give each tooth attention.

Step-8: Brush the roof and tongue gently using back to front motions.

Step-9: At the end, ask your child to spit and gargle.

This teeth brushing demonstration by our expert will help you understand the mechanics of brushing teeth more effectively.

Establishing an oral care routine in your child’s early years will benefit their long-term dental health.

If you wish to know more about the Colgate Kids Oral Care Range, view the products here.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics for children. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.