Navigating How to Choose the Right Oral Hygiene Products for Kids

Your kids oral care routine should be established as soon as possible. This helps prevent tooth decay and promotes good oral health habits. It’s also a good idea to schedule your children’s dental checkup within six months of their first tooth appearing. You may also book a dental checkup by their first birthday, whichever comes first.

Tips on choosing the right toothbrushes and toothpaste

Babies do need toothbrushes. Now, baby teeth are temporary, agreed; however, taking good care of them is vital because they help your baby chew, speak, and smile. It’s recommended that you start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they emerge. You can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe their gums and teeth after feedings, or you can use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants.

How to choose the suitable toothbrush for your toddler (2-4 years old)

Choosing the right toothbrush for a 2-4-year-old child is important. It ensures your kids oral hygiene is maintained well. Mentioned below are a few tips on how to choose the suitable toothbrush for your child:

Pick a toothbrush with a small head and a big handle that your child’s small hands can easily hold.

Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that won’t irritate your child’s gums or damage their teeth.

Look for toothbrushes specifically designed for toddlers and young children. They have smaller brush heads, softer bristles, and fun designs that can encourage good kids oral hygiene habits.

Choose a toothbrush with the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Seal of Acceptance.

Let your child choose their toothbrush to make brushing your teeth a fun and enjoyable experience.

Take suggestions from your pediatric dentist during your children’s dental checkups.

How to choose the right toothbrush for 5 – 8 and 8 years old and up

You could introduce electric toothbrushes into your kids dental cleaning routine. Once they are above eight years old, you have to look for toothbrushes with a bigger head and longer handle to clean their growing mouths effectively.

What are the basics when choosing toothpaste for children?

Choosing the right toothpaste for your kids and a thorough oral hygiene routine are essential. Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Consider toothpaste specifically designed for children and a flavour your child likes. Some children may be sensitive to sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), a foaming agent found in some toothpaste. In such cases, consider an SLS-free toothpaste.

Toothpaste should be introduced in your kids dental cleaning when the child’s first tooth erupts. For children under the age of two, only a smear or grain-sized amount of toothpaste should be used on their toothbrush. For children between the ages of 2-8, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be used on their toothbrush. The same amount of toothpaste is appropriate for eight years and older children. Kids should be supervised while brushing to ensure they spit out the toothpaste and don’t swallow it.

Remember to floss!

Parents should start flossing their child’s teeth as soon as two teeth touch each other. This can happen as early as age two or three. When introducing flossing to a child, it is essential to use a child-friendly floss that is easy to handle and doesn’t hurt their delicate gums. You can use floss picks or pre-threaded flossers with a handle to make it easier for children to hold and use. You can also teach your child how to floss using a regular floss by guiding them and demonstrating the proper technique.

What about mouthwash?

Mouthwash can be a valuable addition to a kids oral hygiene routine. However, ensure it’s used appropriately and choose the right type of mouthwash for their age. For children under the age of six, mouthwash is generally not recommended because they may swallow it, which can cause stomach upset or even poisoning. However, you should seek recommendations from your pediatric dentist during your children’s dental checkups before introducing mouthwash into your kids oral care.

Choose a mouthwash that is alcohol-free, age-appropriate, and contains fluoride. Even better if it has the CDA Seal of Acceptance and has a flavour that your child likes.

Remember to supervise your child when brushing their teeth to ensure they use the appropriate amount of oral care products. Optimizing your kids oral care habits at an early age can help them develop healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. Practise the good habit of visiting the dentist regularly and following their instructions, like kids dental cleaning, and so on. Contact Simcoe Kids Dental today to learn more about our pediatric dental services!