Momma always told us to brush our teeth before bedtime. I know we have passed that on to our children. The baby boomer generation, according to the Centers for Disease Control, will be the first where the majority will maintain their natural teeth over their entire lifetime, having benefited from water fluoridation and fluoride toothpastes. But are we really making ‘progress’ with good oral health?

Toothaches are the most common pain of the mouth or face reported by adults. This pain can interfere with vital functions such as eating, swallowing, and talking. Almost 1 out of every 4 adults reported some form of facial pain in the past 6 months.

In addition to keeping teeth longer, brushing helps to keep teeth healthier, lowering the risk of cavities and the drone-like sound of drilling we often think of when the word ‘dentist’ comes to mind. Momma was right – there are good reasons to brush!

Following these tips with your children will help them get a better start to oral hygiene, increase their chance of keeping teeth longer, and reduce ‘morning breath,’ as well.

1. Start cleaning teeth early.

As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, begin cleaning by wiping with a clean, damp cloth every day. When more teeth come in, switch to a small, soft toothbrush. Begin using toothpaste with fluoride when the child is 2 years old. Use toothpaste with fluoride earlier if your child’s doctor or dentist recommends it.

2. Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride is important for fighting cavities. But if children younger than 6 years old swallow too much fluoride, their permanent teeth may have white spots. To keep this from happening, use only a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a pea). Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste and to rinse well after brushing.

3. Supervise brushing.

Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until your child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone. Then continue to closely watch brushing to make sure the child is doing a thorough job and using only a small amount of toothpaste.

4. Talk to your child’s doctor or dentist.

Check with the doctor or dentist about your child’s specific fluoride needs. After age 2, most children get the right amount of fluoride to help prevent cavities if they drink water that contains fluoride and brush their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day.

Parents of children older than 6 months should ask about the need for a fluoride supplement if drinking water (such as from a well) does not have enough fluoride.

Do not let a child younger than 6 years old use a fluoride mouth rinse unless the child’s doctor or dentist recommends it.

Don’t just tell your kids to brush, demonstrate for them regularly.  If you aren’t sure that you are brushing your teeth properly, ask the dentist.  Set a good example for your children and everyone benefits.