Once the first tooth emerges, it is time to start using a toothbrush. Children need help and supervision to brush from the first tooth until the age of 10-12. A small child does not have the manual skills to brush properly and is not able to understand the consequences of not brushing correctly.
It is time to start brushing your children´s teeth as soon as the first tooth emerges. A fixed routine, in the morning and before bedtime, makes toothbrushing a natural part of your child's day. It’s often convenient to brush with your child lying down, head nearest to you, for example, on the changing table. Closeness and eye contact make the child feel secure. While brushing, gently lift the child’s lip with your finger to see and reach better.
Let the child sit in your lap, leaning the head on your arm. Brush with short movements and be sure that the toothbrush reaches the gum line. Always brush in the same order, for example, the inside, the outside and then the chewing surfaces of the teeth. To reach all surfaces it helps to lift the child’s lip gently with your finger. After 3-4 years of age, you could start using a toothbrush with a slightly bigger brush head, like TePe Select Compact™. This brush is also available with cute prints – ask for TePe Kids™.
Supervise and help your child to brush until the age of 10 -12. Brush with short movements and be sure that the toothbrush reaches the gum line. Always brush in the same order, for example, the inside, the outside and then the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Give some extra attention to the new molars which emerge behind the last milk teeth. Their chewing surfaces are irregular and extra sensitive to cavities. Use a special brush, for example, TePe Compact Tuft™, as a complement to the regular toothbrush. TePe Select Compact™ is a popular choice.
At 10-12 years of age, it’s time for your child to use the brush him/herself, but it is, of course, possible to start practicing earlier. In the beginning, your child may have to brush under your supervision. From the age of 12, TePe Select™ is a good choice of toothbrush.
|
|
Read more in our patient guide Caring for your children's teeth |