“Ok Dr. Diana I can maybe get on board with brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, but I’m struggling to hold Baby.” If this sounds like you, read on!
I remember when I was a dental resident, I was bitten so hard on my index finger, that I was bruised for a week! Many babies don’t like people in their mouths and may cry, which can understandably make parents uneasy. Babies also cannot effectively communicate if your hold is uncomfortably tight. However, if you don’t hold firmly enough, excessive squirming may lead to inadequate brushing or flossing. Below are different ways to hold your baby, whether you’re alone or have help, and for different age groups.
Baby/Toddler and 2 Caregivers: Knee-to-Knee
Equipment: 2 chairs, optional pillow
- Both caregivers sit on two chairs facing each other with their knees touching.
- An optional pillow is placed on the lap of the person brushing (B).
- The child straddles on the lap of helper (H) and faces H.
- H holds both of the child’s hands and stabilizes the legs with their elbows if the child starts kicking.
- The child’s head lies down on the pillow.
- B brushes the child’s teeth. This position allows B to see into the child’s mouth more clearly and ensures a more ergonomic posture. Also, B’s non-dominant hand is free to pull cheeks and lips away for better visibility to place the toothbrush and floss in the right spot.
Watch a video of the knee-to-knee brushing technique:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUNmohl4CD8
Infant/Toddler and Single Caregiver: On the Floor
(A bed or couch may be more comfortable but the floor provides better stability for a strong, active child)
- The caregiver sits on the floor while the child lies down with their head positioned between the caregiver’s legs
- Each of the child’s arms is gently stabilized under each of the caregiver’s legs.
- The caregiver can now brush and floss, using the non-dominant hand to retract checks and lips for better visibility to place the toothbrush and floss in the right spot.
Your child may cry or be upset during brushing since the mouth is a very personal space. Try to be gentle yet precise. Ensure you spend equal time on each tooth surface to remove plaque effectively, as leftover plaque can potentially cause cavities. Singing songs or telling stories can help make brushing and flossing fun. Eventually your child will understand that brushing is part of their daily routine. You got this!
Watch a video of this brushing technique on a bed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOhLI_UkpXk
Kindergartener and beyond: everyone sits
Equipment: stool
Keeping a child still is key for effective brushing and flossing. While standing may be easier for them to spit toothpaste into the sink, an energetic or active child may be more likely to wander. To help them focus, consider having your child sit instead.
- Have the child sit on the closed toilet lid.
- Position a stool in front of the sink, close to the toilet. The caregiver sits on the stool facing the child.
- Brushing and flossing can now begin! Whenever the child needs to spit toothpaste, they can step onto stool to do so.
When can my child brush on their own?
Parents should continue brushing and flossing their child’s teeth until the child can tie their shoelaces or colour within the lines - typically around age 6. Even after this, supervision during brushing and flossing is advised until about age 8. You’d be surprised how quickly kids think two minutes is (usually less than 30 seconds)! Parents can also help to point out commonly missed areas such as the tongue-side of teeth and back molars.
Is it the easiest part of your day? Maybe not. But hopefully after years of consistent hard work, it’ll pay off. Your child will develop healthy oral habits and a beautiful smile, ensuring they can confidently care for their teeth on their own.
