Maintaining 

Healthy Smiles

Yarrow Nursery’s 

Guide to Brushing Teeth

WHEN TO BRUSH

Incorporate a daily routine of brushing your child's teeth for two to three minutes, roughly the duration of a song, twice a day.

It is advisable to do this before bedtime and, if possible, in the morning or after breakfast. 

Initially, it may be challenging to clean your baby's teeth, but they will gradually become accustomed to the routine.

TIPS FOR BRUSHING

According to the NHS, children under three years old should use only a smear of toothpaste, while children aged three to six years should use a pea-sized amount.

Assist children under seven years old in brushing their teeth, since they are still developing their fine motor skills. 

Even after this age, occasional supervision is recommended.

Stand behind your child or sit them on your knee to effectively clean their teeth. 

Angle the toothbrush to reach the gums and use gentle, small circular motions.

Allow your child to observe while you brush your own teeth and demonstrate proper brushing techniques.

Encourage your child to give it a try while looking in a mirror, guiding their hand to ensure they perform the correct movements.

Use a timer to measure the recommended duration for brushing teeth.

Encourage your child to spit out excess toothpaste rather than rinsing their mouth with water. 

Rinsing immediately after brushing washes away the fluoride in the toothpaste, reducing its effectiveness.

Remind your child about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

CHOOSING TOOTHPASTE

There is a wide variety of toothpaste brands available, with many specifically marketed for children. 

When selecting toothpaste, the crucial factor to consider is the fluoride content indicated on the packaging.

Unless otherwise advised by your dentist, children up to the age of six years old should use a toothpaste with a lower-strength formula containing at least 1,000 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride.

For children aged seven and above, toothpaste with a fluoride content of 1,350-1,500 ppm is recommended.

Do not assume that all specially formulated children's toothpaste contains the appropriate amount of fluoride. 

Some brands may not have enough fluoride to effectively prevent tooth decay, so it is always advisable to check the packaging.

GOING FOR CHECK-UPS

Regular visits to the dentist are an essential part of oral healthcare. It is important to note that dental care is free for children.

During these visits, the dentist will assess the health of your child's teeth and gums and provide guidance on maintaining a healthy mouth.

Schedule your child's first dental appointment when their first milk tooth appears. 

This will help them become familiar with the dental environment, which can be overwhelming.

You can accompany your child and even have your teeth checked during the visit. 

Make the experience positive and enjoyable to alleviate any concerns your child may have about future dental visits.

Inquire about fluoride varnish or fissure sealing from your dentist. 

From the age of three, your child should receive fluoride varnish application at least twice a year. 

The dentist may recommend this procedure for younger children as well. 

Fluoride varnish involves applying a layer of varnish with high fluoride content to the tooth surface, reinforcing the enamel and helping prevent tooth decay.

Typically, it is suggested that children have a dental check-up every six months. 

However, the frequency of visits may vary depending on your child's oral health. Your dentist will provide guidance on when to schedule the next check-up.

GOOD HABITS

In addition to regular teeth cleaning and dental visits, there are several measures you can take to help your child avoid dental problems:

Limit the consumption of sweets, particularly before bedtime, when saliva flow decreases.

Encourage your child to drink water or milk instead of developing a taste for sweet beverages. 

Water is the best choice before bedtime.

If you offer other drinks, avoid fizzy beverages high in sugar. 

Even unsweetened juices and smoothies contain sugars and acids that can harm your child's teeth. 

Limit these to a small glass per day, and only offer them during mealtimes.

Start transitioning your child from a bottle to a free-flow cup when they reach six months old. 

Aim to eliminate bottle usage by their first birthday, as teats and spouts encourage prolonged sucking, leading to prolonged contact between drinks and your child's teeth.