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.
Six tips for brushing children's teeth
- Brush twice a day. Brush once in the morning and once at night before bedtime.
- Use a small and soft brush. The toothbrush should have a small brush head and gentle filaments.
- Apply a little toothpaste. Use the size of the child’s little finger nail.
- Create a habit. Brush the inside, outside and biting surfaces in the same order to make sure no side is forgotten.
- Remember the gum line. Place the filaments at a 45º angle towards teeth and gum line.
- Be gentle. Brush with a slight pressure using small movements.
How to brush your baby’s teeth
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. With TePe Mini™ it’s easy to start brushing from the very first tooth. It’s recommended for children from 0 to 3 – 4 years of age.
How to brush your kids’ teeth – pre-school children
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™.
How to brush your kids’ teeth – school children
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.
When it’s time to brush yourself…
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. It’s also available with illustrations – ask for TePe Graphic™.
How to brush your teeth
