It is important to teach your children proper teeth-brushing habits. Here are 7 brushing techniques from our pediatric dentist in Lutz, FL.

1. Use Toothpaste Properly

When your child first starts brushing their own teeth, they might believe that an excessive amount of toothpaste is enough to make up for sub-par brushing. Let them know that this is not the case.

From our experience operating as a kids' dentist in Lutz Fl., we understand that using the right amount of toothpaste can help your child learn when they're reaching all areas of the mouth.



The ADA suggests a pea-sized amount of paste for a child aged above three. Linked to the size of the mouth, this will ensure that your child doesn't ingest excess toothpaste and that they know where in their mouth they have cleaned.

A great first flossing tip to keep in mind is to start flossing your child's teeth early. Once their teeth begin to grow, it's ideal to get them used to the idea of flossing. The earlier you begin the flossing process, the better your child will do with it. 



If you wait until your child's several years old to begin flossing, they might not warm up to it as much. Ensure flossing is a part of their brushing routine at an early age so they understand it's a part of the routine and will feel comfortable with it. 

2. Position the Brush Effectively

When brushing teeth, there are several areas of the mouth we are trying to care for. Children may make the mistake of thinking that only the visible parts of the teeth and mouth need cleaning.

It's important to explain why we brush our teeth to your child: it keeps teeth healthy, avoiding future problems and pain. 

This will help them to understand why we spend time brushing, and why we should hold our brushes at a good 45 degree angle to make sure the gum line gets brushed. As a knowledgeable pediatric dentist in Lutz, we know just how important hitting those hard-to-reach spots can be.

Making sure your child brushes and cleans plaque build-up spots properly is vital.



Gum health is just as important as tooth health, and brushing gums ensures great oral cleanliness. Don't forget to remind your child to brush their tongue too - this can remove harmful bacteria that would otherwise remain in the mouth.

3. Brush Gently

Another common brushing misconception is that harder = cleaner. In reality, being too harsh with the bristles can harm teeth and gums. If you catch your child being too heavy-handed with their toothbrush, show them the right way to brush instead.

The most effective way to do it is with a gentle back and forth motion, using short strokes that match tooth size.



This technique should be used for all surfaces of the teeth: interior, exterior, and the surfaces we chew with. All sides must be brushed to ensure a full clean! As a baby dentist in Lutz Fl., we work with small children often: their gums are sensitive, so it's important to make sure they don't get harmed during brushing.

4. From Bottom to Top!

When your child brushes their teeth, it's a good idea to teach them exactly how to get the dirt and remnants away from their gums. By starting at the base of a tooth and brushing up towards the top, they can be sure to remove any plaque rather than brushing it down and lodging it further into any gaps.

Brushing the chewing surface to clean out any residue is equally important.



Showing your child how to clean all parts of each tooth effectively will equip them for properly maintaining good oral health long into the future. Don't let complacency grow into a habit!

5. Take Your Time

Many children's oral health deteriorates when they start brushing their own teeth. This is because they often lack patience, as well as technique.

Teaching your child to spend the appropriate amount of time brushing is a huge part of the process.

A minimum of two minutes should be spent doing the job. This allows enough time for a proper clean to be done, addressing the nooks hidden in all corners of the mouth. If your child seems to be brushing too quickly, there's a good chance they aren't doing it properly.



Whilst you are teaching them, it's a good idea to take it slow and spend more time going over the proper technique. By the time they are ready to brush independently, that two-minute timer you set will seem like no time at all!

6. Twice a Day

Though lots of people fall into the habit of only brushing once a day, cleaning your teeth in the morning and before bed is a far more effective routine. Make sure to get your kids into the rhythm of brushing twice a day.

This will encourage them to take the habit forward into adulthood.

Brushing in the morning serves to remove any bacteria that has built up in the mouth overnight, and prepares your teeth for the day. Evening brushing cleans the residue of the day from the mouth, so it doesn't get the chance to fester whilst your child sleeps.



Protecting your oral health in this way gives the best chance of a lifetime with happy, healthy teeth. Your children will be grateful when they are older!

7. Don't Forget to Floss

Flossing is the ideal way to supplement careful brushing. It reaches parts of the mouth that a brush just can't, getting rid of those persistent bits of food between teeth.

Teaching your child how to brush and floss properly provides them with all the knowledge they need to stay on top of their oral health.



The best pediatric dentist would say this: if your kids don't take to flossing straight away, don't give up. It can feel daunting to floss for yourself at first, but soon enough they'll get used to it and appreciate the benefits.

Make the Most of These Tips from an Established Pediatric Dentist, Lutz FL.

If you teach your children how to brush based on our advice, they'll have great oral hygiene for life. Though it might seem like a lot for them to learn, soon they'll be brushing independently for life.



If you'd like to book an appointment with an experienced children's pediatric dentist in Lutz, FL, be sure to contact us today. We'll get you seen in no time!