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Oral Care for Children

0-8 years

When should you start brushing your child’s teeth?

You should begin caring for your children's teeth from the moment that their first tooth emerges through the gums. It is important that you make tooth brushing a routine with your child, in the morning and before bedtime.
As your child gets older you can teach them how to brush their own teeth, using a gentle, circular motion with fluoride toothpaste. From the age of 7, your child should be able to brush their teeth without your help, although you should always begin by supervising your child whilst they brush their teeth.

What sort of brush should children use?

The size, filaments and decoration of the toothbrush should meet the requirements of the child at whatever age they are. The filaments should be soft and provide safe and gentle brushing for delicate teeth and gums. The Wisdom Step by Step range of brushes are specially designed to grow with children Step by Step and have brushes for 0-2, 3-5 and 6-8 year olds.

Should children floss?

It is important to build good oral care habits at a young age. Children should be encouraged to floss from as soon as they are able but should be supervised initially to ensure they do not damage the delicate gum tissue. As flossing can be quite difficult for children to master the Wisdom Easy Floss is recommended, as this makes flossing easier and more controllable.

What sort of toothpaste should children use?

Use a toothpaste specifically developed for children to ensure the right levels of fluoride.

How much toothpaste should children use?

Children should use a pea size amount. Look out for brushes like Wisdom Step by Step that include blue toothpaste amount indicators on the toothbrush filaments to help you dispense the correct amount.

8+ years Adolescence is the time for peak bone growth and tooth development and so it is important to maintain a good oral health regime and to choose the right products to ensure a healthy mouth in adulthood. Brush and floss Brush your teeth for 2 –3 minutes, twice a day. Use a brush designed for children 8 years and up like Wisdom Click Cool that features a feedback system in the handle to prevent over brushing to protect delicate teeth and gums. Floss at least once a day to help remove plaque and food from between your teeth. Avoiding enamel erosion Dental erosion of tooth enamel is a growing problem amongst young people. Unlike cavities which are caused by plaque bacteria erosion is caused by acid attacking the tooth enamel. These acids can be found in fizzy drinks and even fruit juice.

 

To avoid damage through erosion:

• Fizzy drinks and fruit juice should be limited. Sugar consumption is reduced when drinking diet versions of these drinks, however these products are also very acidic and can still cause erosion.
• Use a straw when drinking fizzy drinks as it helps to get the drink to the back of your mouth and reduces acid contact with tooth enamel.
• Avoid brushing your teeth directly after drinking fizzy drinks or fruit juice as the enamel will be more susceptible to damage from brushing.
• Food and drink high in sugar should be limited to meal times.
• Chewing sugar-free gum after eating will help to neutralise the acids, which form in your mouth.
• Visit your dentist every 6 months.