Plaque removal is the most important goal of brushing and flossing. Frequency and attention to detail are imperative, as effective brushing and flossing helps removes the plaque in between the teeth.
Tips for Removing Plaque from your Child’s Teeth:
- 3 FOR 3 RULE: Brush three times daily for three minutes.
If your children are not able to effectively brush by themselves, you may need to do this task for them. Typically, by the time children are nine years old, they can attempt to be independent with this task. Be careful though, kids tend NOT to brush the full three minutes, so you may still need to supervise. - Create a system or routine. Start at the back upper right and move to the upper left along the cheek side and continue back to the upper right on the inside. Each group of two to three teeth should be brushed for about 10 seconds. You can then brush the biting surfaces. Repeat this process on the lower jaw. The entire process should take three minutes.
- Try to angle the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle at the gum line and work the bristles in a gentle, circular motion.
- Use a timer to ensure brushing for a full three minutes.
- Use soft bristled toothbrushes and a brush that is the appropriate size for your child’s mouth.
- Consider a rotary/mechanical toothbrush with a timer included.
- Toothpaste with fluoride is ideal for children over two-years-old. Just a smear of toothpaste is needed (even for adults). It’s the mechanical movement of the bristles of the brush that removes plaque, not necessarily the toothpaste.
- Make it a fun routine: perhaps brush at the same time each day; brush as a family; brush in the same place every time; brush along to a favourite song; always use a timer. Create a habit for your children that will eventually become a great lifetime habit.
- Rinsing with an antibacterial fluoride rinse is also recommended, especially for children prone to dental decay.
- Floss your children’s teeth for them once a day.