Oral Hygiene Instructions
Embark on a journey to healthier smiles! Explore age-specific oral hygiene tips and gain valuable insights for maintaining a confident and radiant smile in this comprehensive resource.
About Oral Hygiene
For optimal oral hygiene from infancy to age 12, follow these age-specific guidelines: For children under 3, use a clean toothbrush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste, brushing twice daily and flossing to remove plaque and debris. From ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, maintaining the same brushing routine. For ages 6 to 12, continue with a pea-sized amount, emphasizing nightly brushing. It’s crucial to avoid eating or drinking after nighttime brushing, and if a snack is needed, repeat brushing before bedtime. Supervise brushing until age 8-9, gradually transitioning to unsupervised brushing once proficiency is demonstrated.
Infant & Toddler
From birth to 3 years of age – We recommend that an adult brush a child’s teeth twice a day and floss once daily to remove plaque and food debris. Brush twice using a clean toothbrush with a smear of a fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Once in the morning and again right before bedtime. The most important time to brush is at night so the child goes to bed with a clean mouth. Nothing to eat or drink after brushing is important. If a snack or drink (other than plain water) is needed, then repeat brushing after finishing the food or beverage before going back to bed.
Age 3-6
From age 3-6 years old – We recommend that an adult brush a child’s teeth twice a day and floss once daily to remove plaque and food debris. Brush twice using a clean toothbrush with a ½ pea-sized amount of a fluoride toothpaste. Once in the morning and again right before bedtime. The most important time to brush is at night so the child goes to bed with a clean mouth. Nothing to eat or drink after brushing is important. If a snack or drink (other than plain water) is needed, then repeat brushing after finishing the food or beverage before going back to bed.
Age 6-12
From age 6-12 years old – We recommend that an adult brush a child’s teeth twice a day and floss once daily to remove plaque and food debris. Brush twice using a clean toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of a fluoride toothpaste. Once in the morning and again right before bedtime. The most important time to brush is at night so the child goes to bed with a clean mouth. Nothing to eat or drink after brushing is important. If a snack or drink (other than plain water) is needed, then repeat brushing after finishing the food or beverage before going back to bed. We recommend an adult brush for a child at least until age 8-9 years old. Only after the child has shown the ability to brush effectively should a parent gradually move to unsupervised brushing with periodic checks.
Plan For Your Visit
Establish Consistent Oral Care Routine
Ensure an adult follows a specific tooth brushing routine for each age group, emphasizing the importance of nighttime brushing and avoiding food or drinks after the final brush before bed.
Encourage Proper Brushing Techniques
Teach children effective tooth brushing techniques, including the use of an appropriate amount of toothpaste and brushing all tooth surfaces, with adult supervision recommended until proficiency is demonstrated.
Maintain Post-Brushing Habits
Reinforce the habit of avoiding food or drinks (except water) after the last brush before bedtime and stress the importance of repeating the brushing process if a snack or drink is needed before going back to bed.