Oral Hygiene for Kids in Parker, CO

Children younger than age 3 should use a small smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Children ages 3 through 6 should use no more than a pea-sized amount. Parents should help dispense the toothpaste and supervise younger children while they brush.

Cleaning between the teeth becomes important when a toothbrush cannot adequately clean those surfaces. Parents may need to floss for younger children and gradually teach them how to clean between their own teeth as their coordination improves.

There is not one age when every child suddenly becomes able to brush thoroughly. Children can participate in brushing early, but parents should continue helping or supervising until the child has the coordination and consistency to clean all tooth surfaces effectively.

Yes. Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children in an age-appropriate amount because fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Young children should be supervised so they use only the recommended amount.

Home oral hygiene and professional dental care serve different purposes. Routine dental visits allow the dental team to evaluate the teeth and gums, monitor development and cavity risk, identify areas that may be difficult to clean, and provide professional preventive care when appropriate.

Brackets and wires create additional areas where plaque and food can collect. Children and teens with braces should carefully clean around the brackets, wires, gumline, and between the teeth and follow the oral hygiene instructions provided by their dental and orthodontic teams.

Resistance to brushing is common, especially in younger children. Keeping brushing at predictable times, allowing children to participate, using an age-appropriate toothbrush, and providing calm adult assistance can help make oral hygiene part of the normal daily routine. Our pediatric dental team can also offer suggestions based on your child's age and needs.