3 Tips for Teaching Your Child to Brush and Floss Properly

Brushing and flossing are part of everyone’s daily routine — no matter how old you are! But teaching your kids to brush and floss properly isn’t always easy. Some kids just don’t like to do it, and others don’t understand its value. 

That’s where you come in! As a parent, you can teach your child how to do it, why to do it, and tips for making it a lasting habit.

Mehrnoosh Darj, DDS, and the team at Dr. Darj Dental in El Paso, Texas, feel strongly about supporting children’s oral health from the get-go. It’s why we offer family dental care, and it’s why we are delighted to answer your questions about the best ways to take care of your kids’ oral health at home.

Here are our top three tips for teaching your child to brush and floss properly. 

1. Make it fun

Children are more likely to complete their daily tasks when they see it as a fun activity rather than just another item on the to-do list — and taking care of their teeth is no exception. To make brushing fun:

• Let your child pick out their own toothbrush — many brands make brushes with their favorite cartoon characters
• Let your child choose their toothpaste flavor
• Play a fun two-minute song while you brush 

Positive reinforcement can motivate them to stick to their routine. Create a reward chart where they can earn stickers or small prizes for brushing and flossing regularly. 

2. Teach proper techniques

While brushing your teeth may seem like a simple task, several details aren’t super intuitive to children. It’s important to clearly explain how to brush and floss properly.

How to brush

Squirting out the toothpaste can be fun, but make sure you explain how much is necessary. For children under 6, a small amount of fluoride toothpaste — about the size of a green pea — is sufficient. Show them a real pea so they can see how much that is.

Teach your child how to hold their brush at a 45-degree angle so they can clean well along their gums. 

Regularly remind them to brush all parts of each tooth — not just the front surfaces but the back of each tooth and the chewing surfaces. Make gentle, circular motions to clean the enamel effectively but without damaging the gums.

Adults and children should brush for two full minutes. Use a song or a kitchen timer — some electric toothbrushes have built-in timers — to help your child learn the proper length of time to brush.

How to floss

While you can use string floss, you might find that kid-friendly options make it easier for your child to stick with this habit. Floss picks or flossers designed for children can be easier for small hands to use.

Teach them to gently slide the floss into the space between their teeth and move it up and down gently and around the base of each tooth to remove plaque and food particles while protecting their gums.

3. Lead by example

Show your child how important oral hygiene is by modeling what good at-home oral care looks like. You can:

• Brush your teeth together (twice a day for two full minutes)
• Floss together once a day 
• Shop for new toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss together
• Explain how brushing and flossing  prevents cavities, keeps their teeth strong, and gives them a bright, beautiful smile

Consider scheduling routine dental cleaning appointments together. That means one convenient trip and your child can see that you’re prioritizing your oral health. 

When is your child old enough to brush on their own?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you continue to brush their teeth until you’re confident they can brush on their own — the age can vary from child to child. The tips above can help you prepare your child for this. 

As you transition from brushing their teeth for them, observe them to make sure they follow the proper techniques. 

A note about sensory issues

If your child has sensory issues, go slow when it comes to brushing teeth. They may do better with a less foamy toothpaste, a different flavor, a toothbrush with a different handle shape, or even simply adjusting the temperature of the water to be cooler or warmer. 

As your child continues to learn, praise their efforts and progress, even if it’s not perfect. 

Questions about your kids’ oral health?

As a family dentist, Dr. Darj cares for everyone in your family from your youngest tot to your most senior family members. Whether you have questions about routine cleanings, additional tips for at-home care, or protecting your kids’ teeth with sealants, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team.

Call Dr. Darj Dental at 915-213-3767 to schedule your child’s next appointment.