The Right Way to Brush Your Child’s Teeth

Most of us know that brushing twice a day is important. But did you know that the way you brush makes a difference to your oral health? Whether you brush your child’s teeth or he or she is old enough to handle the task alone, here are some tips to ensure a good, thorough cleansing.

Use the MOI method. This acronym stands for Masticatory, Outer and Inner, and was created to help people brush more effectively:

M: For the masticatory (chewing) surfaces, start on the upper right side of the mouth, using gentle back-and-forth movements. Continue with the top left, and then move to the bottom right and bottom left, always starting toward the back and brushing toward the front.

O: For the outer surfaces, start at the back of the mouth and brush the front of the teeth with small, circular movements. Have your child close his or her mouth when brushing the incisors, which will give you better access.

I: Finally, for the inner surfaces, hold the brush in an upright position and move it along the teeth, with strokes going from the gums to the teeth.

Find the right brush. If your child is brushing on his or her own, make sure your child is using the right brush—one with a handle that can be held comfortably and a head compact enough to get into a child’s smaller mouth.

Spend enough time. Experts say that brushing for at least two minutes is ideal. To help your child pass the time, let him or her listen to a favorite two-minute song.

Make sure to rinse and dry the brush. Always rinse the toothbrush after brushing to eliminate any leftover bacteria or toothpaste. Allow the brush to air dry between brushings. And keep an eye on the bristles. When they start to look worn out, it’s time to replace your child’s toothbrush.

The best way to teach your child a proper toothbrushing routine is to model it yourself. Showing your child how it’s done—and that you do it, too—will go a long way toward establishing good oral habits. After all, your child wants to grow up to be “just like mom or dad!”

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