When it comes to kids, every decision is important and should be carefully taken. As a parent, you will have millions of things to worry about. One among them is their oral health.
Do you often find yourself thinking, when will your child start brushing, and is there anything you should be aware of?
Oral health is an important aspect for every child. How well you take care of their teeth in their childhood decides what kind of oral health they will get in later life.
In this blog, you will get to learn more about this, specifically the type of toothbrush and toothpaste they should be using.
How to Choose the Right Toothbrush for Your Kid?
Here are some tips for choosing the right type of toothbrush for your child.
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Size of Brush Head
The perfect toothbrush should fit comfortably in your kid’s mouth. It will have a small head to properly clean the inside of your kid’s mouth. As the child grows older, you can go for a brush with a bigger head.
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Soft Bristled Brush
Always go for a soft-bristle toothbrush for your kid. Hard bristles can irritate their gums and cause problems. However, a soft-bristled brush will be gentle and not lead to any additional dental issues.
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Handle Grip
A toothbrush with an easy handle will be best for kids. Your kid will not have motor skills like an adult, so a comfortable grip will help them clean their mouth properly. It will be better if you go for a rubber grip. If you need more advice on this, contact a kids’ dentist in Whitehall.
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Fun Designs
Your kid will stick to brushing when you can catch their attention to this activity. Go for a brush with fun colors and preferably with their favorite cartoon characters. This will catch their attention and make the whole brushing activity fun for them.
How to Choose the Right Toothpaste for Your Kid?
Once you are done with the toothbrush, the next question is about toothpaste. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
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Fluoride or Non-Fluoride?
Fluoride is an essential element that prevents cavities and strengthens tooth enamel. However, should you use fluoride for a kid, that is a valid query.
For children below the age of 2, you should go for a non-fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride can irritate their soft gums. For children above 2, you can choose fluoride toothpaste.
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Kid Friendly Flavor
Toothpaste comes in various flavors, and kids often have a flavor that they prefer. If possible, select a toothpaste in that flavor for your child. This will make them more eager to brush on a daily basis.
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ADA Seal
Look for toothpaste with an ADA seal. This means the toothpaste brand follows all the ADA guidelines and is safe for use by a child.
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Amount of Toothpaste
For a child under 3 years of age, only a rice-sized amount of toothpaste is enough. For kids of 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Be aware that your kid does not swallow fluoride toothpaste.
According to ADA, a child should begin brushing as soon as their first teeth appear, which can be as early as 6 months of age. So, choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste is an essential step.
With a bit of encouragement, guidance, and fun, your child is good to be on their way to good oral health. Contact us for professional guidance.