Book Online
Book online

How to Properly Brush Your Child\’s Teeth

How to Properly Brush Your Child\’s Teeth 

Young children need supervision to learn how to care for their teeth with regular brushing. Baby teeth are important place holders for the permanent adult teeth and should be brushed twice a day as soon as they start to come through, usually around six months old. 

By brushing your child’s teeth properly from a very early age, you teach them lifelong oral hygiene habits that will help them keep their teeth well into old age. Technique is important for proper brushing and dental hygiene, so here are some tips to make sure you’re teaching them correctly. 

The Right Equipment

Use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. If your child is over 18 months, use a pea-sized amount of mild toothpaste made especially for young children. For younger children, just use water, and for babies who are just teething, you can wipe their gums with a soft cloth. 

Get Into Position

You’ll need to find a position that’s comfortable for you and your child that allows you to see inside their mouth. It can help to stand in front of a mirror, or sit next to or behind your child and support their head with your other hand. 

Brush Gently

Move the toothbrush gently and slowly over the surfaces of the teeth in tiny circles, taking care with the back teeth and hard to reach places. Move the toothbrush back and forth on the chewing surfaces, and then encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste and rinse. Many children will happily spit if you make a game out of it. 

Encourage Participation

Once your child is old enough, you can have them hold the toothbrush and brush their teeth themselves with your supervision. You might need to go over some areas that weren’t brushed properly, but your child will soon learn how to do it alone. Don’t rush your child and be sure to brush for long enough to do the job properly and cover every tooth surface. 

Make it Fun

The best way to encourage your child to brush regularly is to make it fun, or make it a game. Children are reluctant to brush their teeth because they’d rather be doing something else. However, by making teeth cleaning fun, they’ll enjoy it and look forward to it. 

For older children, you can buy plaque disclosing tablets from the supermarket which the child chews and spits out after brushing. Any plaque left on the teeth will be stained a different colour, usually red, and easy to see.  Your can then see which areas aren’t being brushed properly so you can adjust your technique.  

Dental Care – West Auckland

At Titirangi Dental, we provide caring, professional dental services for the whole family using the latest in dental equipment and technology. We’re dedicated to helping you maintain and improve your smile with a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry. 

Call us on 09 817 6057,  or contact us online for enquiries and expert advice about brushing your child’s teeth.

titirangi dental

Related Blogs

Why do we recommend fluoride toothpaste? 

When you ask your dental professionals the right toothpastes to use routinely?  We always recommend fluoride toothpastes. Because: 

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry

  • Fluoride toothpaste works into tooth enamel, it can make enamel harder and more resistant to acid, attacks from bacteria and sugary foods. 
  • Fluoride toothpaste can remineralize your teeth, it helps to reverse early tooth decay by replacing lost minerals and repairing damage. 
  • Fluoride toothpaste has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of getting cavities.  
  • Using fluoride toothpaste is the most cost-effective way to contribute to better oral health 

Standard adult and children’s fluoride toothpastes contain 1,000-1,500ppm of fluoride.  However, dental professionals may prescribe high concentration fluoride toothpaste for individuals with high risk of tooth decay, it usually contains 5,000ppm fluoride. 

Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.

Add Your Heading Text Here

Is it normal to feel sensitive after teeth whitening?

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry

Is it normal to feel sensitive after teeth whitening?

Yes, most people will feel sensitive after teeth whitening. It is normal because whitening agent make your tooth enamel more porous and permeable. It causes your teeth are easily penetrate to hot, cold, sweet, or sour substances to the nerves.

The sensitivity is usually lasting 24-48 hours, but for people, it can persist for few days.

How to manage sensitivity

  • Use sensitive toothpaste: Apply sensitive toothpastes on the surfaces after you brush your teeth and do not rinse out, leave it overnight.
  • Avoid extremely cold or hot foods and drinks, avoid sweet or acidic foods or drinks for few days after treatment.
  • Be gentle when brushing.
  • Take pain killer like ibuprofen to relieve pain and discomfort.
  • If you experience severe pain and do not improve within 48 hours, contact your dental professional for help.
Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.

Add Your Heading Text Here

Dental Implants

Understanding Dental Implants and Their Importance

Dental health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked until a problem arises. Among the most common issues are tooth loss, which can occur due to decay, injury, or disease. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several solutions to restore your smile, and one of the most effective and lasting options is dental implants.

 What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. Once in place, they provide a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth, bridge, or even full dentures. The process involves three main stages: the placement of the implant, the healing period during which the implant fuses with the bone (a process known as osseointegration), and finally, the attachment of the prosthetic tooth or teeth.

 The Importance of Dental Implants

1. Restoring Functionality: One of the primary reasons people opt for dental implants is the restoration of normal chewing and speaking abilities. Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort, implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry.

2. Preserving Jawbone Health: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the empty space can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Implants help maintain the bone by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots, which stimulates the bone and prevents loss of volume and density. This is crucial in maintaining the facial structure and avoiding a sunken appearance over time.

3. Aesthetics and Confidence: Missing teeth can significantly affect your self-esteem and how others perceive you. Dental implants provide a natural-looking and permanent solution, allowing you to smile with confidence. The prosthetic teeth are designed to match the color and shape of your existing teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

4. Longevity and Durability: Dental implants are designed to last many years, often a lifetime with proper care. Unlike bridges or dentures, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time, implants offer a more permanent solution, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

5. Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, implants do not affect surrounding teeth. This helps maintain the integrity of your natural teeth and promotes better long-term oral health. Additionally, implants are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.

6. Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the inconveniences associated with removable dentures. There’s no need for messy adhesives, and you won’t have to worry about your teeth slipping out of place. This makes them a hassle-free option for daily life.

 Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

Dental implants are suitable for most adults in good health who have lost one or more teeth. However, certain conditions, such as insufficient jawbone density or chronic illnesses, may affect candidacy. A thorough evaluation by a dental professional is necessary to determine if implants are the right option for you.

get in touch

Want to know about dental services and how to keep your mouth and teeth in great condition?

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland.
Book Now