Common Mistakes Children Make While Brushing Their Teeth

Common Mistakes Children Make While Brushing Their Teeth

As an adult and a parent, you very well know the importance of brushing, but does your kid know the same? You will be surprised to know how many mistakes your child makes that would lead to cavities, gum issues, and unnecessary dental visits. Here are a few things you should observe about your child while brushing their teeth.

Let us break it down and make brushing for your child simple, fun, and effective!

Not Brushing Long Enough

Most kids (and let’s be honest—many adults too) don’t brush for the full two minutes. Every kid is in a rush all the time to get back to playing or watching their favorite cartoon. Children often brush their teeth for 20 seconds, call it done.

Tip for Parents: Use a timer, a fun 2-minute brushing song, a simple digital clock, or a 2-minute hourglass to help them brush for the right amount of time. It’s an easy trick that makes a big difference in kids dental care.

Brushing with the Wrong Technique

Scrubbing too hard, brushing only the front teeth, or skipping the back molars altogether—these are all common habits that kids have. Brushing isn't just about swirling the brush around the mouth; it's about doing it right.

Tip for Parents: Teach them the circular motion technique and make sure they’re covering every surface—front, back, and chewing surfaces. Instruct them and watch them brush their teeth until they get the hang of it.

Using the Wrong Toothpaste

Not all toothpastes are created equally, especially for children. Some may contain ingredients that are too harsh for a kid's sensitive mouths, while others may not have the right amount of fluoride to protect their developing teeth.

Tip for parents: For children under 3, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). For kids aged 3 and up, a pea-sized amount is perfect. Always look for toothpaste recommended for kids dental care.

Overusing Toothpaste

It’s tempting to squeeze out a big swirl of toothpaste like they see in commercials. But too much toothpaste can actually do more harm than good, especially if your child swallows it.

Tip for Parents: A little goes a long way! Teach your child the right amount of toothpaste to use and supervise them until they stop swallowing it.

Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough

Kids’ toothbrushes go through a lot—chewing, bending, and more chewing. If the bristles are worn out, they’re not doing their job properly.

Tip for Parents: Replace your child’s toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Also, get a new one after your child has a cold or flu to avoid reinfection. It’s an easy win for better kids dental care.

Conclusion

Helping your child develop great brushing habits takes time and patience, but it’s totally worth it.

Make brushing a fun activity and not a task, use the right tools, and stay involved. When brushing is done correctly, it sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Remember, kids dental care isn’t just about brushing, it’s about doing it the right way, every single day. So, the next time your little one grabs their toothbrush, give them a quick check-in.

Book a consultation today at Yashwanth’s Lotus Dental Care and take the first step towards cavity-free smiles for your child!