Oral Hygiene Basics

As a Phoenix pediatric dentist, we know that a patient's technique for brushing is just as important as how often a patient brushes the teeth. It is important for your child to use a soft toothbrush that will not irritate the gums or cause the enamel on the teeth to erode. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a hard toothbrush is necessary for keeping teeth clean; this is not the case. As long as your child brushes correctly, a soft toothbrush will work equally well without damaging the teeth. Be sure your child brushes in a circular pattern, starting at the gum line and working toward the center of the mouth. This will move food particles, bacteria and plaque away from your child's gum line. Your child should brush his or her teeth in quadrants, being sure to brush each section for at least 30 seconds with a small amount of pressure. Using fluoride toothpaste will also provide additional protection from cavities for your child. We recommend that your child brushes three times a day – morning, after lunch and before bed. While we understand the difficulty for your child to brush during school, there are travel-size tooth brushes you can place in your child's backpack for use. Brushing two to three times a day will keep your child's mouth clean without causing irritation from over-brushing. Additionally, be sure to buy a new toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed, if the toothbrush is stained or smells bad.