What is the proper way of brushing? | Dental Treatment Guide


The most important time to clean your children’s teeth is before they go to bed. This is because when you sleep, your saliva flow will slow down. With lesser saliva, you have less protection against cavities.

You should let your child brush their teeth and enjoy the experience. Do not worry about how proficient they are in brushing. You will brush their teeth for the second time anyway. Your child can put their heads on your lap while you gently pull one cheek aside with your finger. You will see the upper back teeth. The manner in which you brush is just as important as the duration of your brushing. When you are comfortable with a set brushing pattern then you can brush quickly even if your child is not cooperating. Here are five simple steps for brushing

  • the upper and the outer. Place your toothbrush on the outside surface of the back tooth on one upper side. Angle the toothbrush towards the gums and gently brush the area where the gums and the teeth meet. You can brush each tooth as you move the brush around the outside of the upper teeth all the way to the last tooth on the opposite side
  • the lower and the outer. Move to the last back tooth on one side on the lower jaw. Brush the outside of each tooth and move all the way to the other side
  • the lower and the inner. Move to the inside or the tongue side of the lower teeth and then brush each tooth all the way to the other side
  • the upper and the inner. You can move your brush to the inside of the upper teeth. Move it from one side all the way to the other side
  • brush the biting surfaces of your back teeth on the upper and lower jaw

Your child may protest when you brush their teeth for the first few times but both of you will eventually adapt to the routine. Bedtime brushing will eventually become part of the bedtime ritual.

The correct toothbrush will make a huge difference. You should use a brush that is designed for the age of your child. If the brush head is small then you will have an easier time identifying where you are going. You will also have an easier time aiming the bristles along the gum line and cleaning it properly. Get a soft bristled brush and make sure to brush gently. Do not scrub your gums because this may damage the tissues and make brushing uncomfortable for your child. You should not brush your child’s teeth with a toothbrush that has been used by someone else because bacteria may be transferred. This will eventually lead to disease and tooth decay problems.

Further Information about Cleaning Childrens Teeth