At Luv Braces and Kids Dentistry, Dr. Chan, Dr. Tahbaz, and Dr. Rezapour want you to feel confident in caring for your child’s smile at home. One of the best ways to set your child up for success is to choose the right dental tools for kids. From toothbrushes to floss, what you keep in your bathroom cabinet can make daily dental care fun, easy, and effective.
Why Dental Tools for Kids Matter
Stocking up on the right supplies will help your child maintain strong teeth, healthy gums, and a confident smile. They can also:
- Build daily habits that last a lifetime.
- Make brushing and flossing less stressful.
- Protect against cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup.
- Support your child’s comfort if they’re wearing braces.
- Help parents feel confident about their child’s oral health routine.
Toothbrushes & Toothpaste: The Basics
Toothbrushes and toothpaste are the foundation of your child’s oral hygiene routine with Dr. Chan. The purpose goes beyond cleaning teeth—they build healthy habits.
- Toothbrushes: For kids, soft-bristled brushes are safest. Look for child-sized handles and heads, which make brushing easier and more effective. Electric toothbrushes can be especially helpful for children who need motivation, since many come with built-in timers and fun designs.
- Toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste strengthens enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay. For young children under age 3, use a smear the size of a grain of rice. For kids three and older, a pea-sized amount is perfect.
By combining the right toothbrush and toothpaste, your child will not only clean both baby and permanent teeth, but also protect them for the future.
Three Trusted Brands for Kids’ Dental Supplies
When it comes to choosing dental tools for kids, quality matters, here are three reliable options:
1. Colgate Kids
- Offers toothbrushes with fun characters to engage young brushers.
- Provides fluoride toothpastes designed for different age groups.
- Widely available and budget-friendly.
2. Oral-B Kids
- Known for electric toothbrushes with small, soft brush heads.
- Features apps and timers to keep brushing fun and consistent.
- Great option for families seeking advanced tools.
3. Tom’s of Maine
- Ideal for families who prefer natural ingredients.
- Offers fluoride and fluoride-free options.
- Gentle flavors that appeal to picky kids.
Each of these brands provides safe, effective, and kid-friendly options to make daily brushing and flossing easier for both you and your child.
The Importance of Flossing
Brushing only cleans part of the tooth’s surface. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline, where toothbrushes can’t reach.
Helping kids floss can be challenging at first, but here are some tips:
- Use floss picks or pre-threaded flossers for little hands.
- Show them how to gently guide the floss between teeth.
- Make it part of the nightly routine, just like story time.
By introducing flossing early at Luv Braces and Kids Dentistry, you’ll help your child protect their gums and prevent cavities in those hard-to-reach spaces.
Dental Hygiene With Braces
If your child is in orthodontic treatment with Dr. Tahbaz or Dr. Rezapour, oral care becomes even more important. Brackets and wires create more areas for plaque and food to hide, so the right supplies for kids with braces are important.
- Use an orthodontic toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with a small head: These are specially designed to reach around brackets and wires more effectively than standard brushes.
- Brush after every meal and snack: Removing food debris promptly helps prevent plaque buildup around the brackets.
- Try interdental brushes or water flossers: These tools make it easier to clean between teeth and under archwires, where traditional floss may struggle.
- Choose a fluoride toothpaste and rinse daily with a fluoride mouthwash: This strengthens enamel and adds an extra layer of protection against cavities.
- Avoid sticky or hard-to-clean foods: Items like caramel, gum, and popcorn can get trapped in braces and are tough to brush away completely.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings: Professional cleanings are key to maintaining healthy gums and catching issues early.
Using these dental tools for kids helps your child’s braces treatment stay on track—and their smile will be healthier when treatment is done.
Firmer Foundations and Happier Habits
We know that instilling any kind of routine with kids, younger or older, can take some time and experimentation. Every child is different and will have a different level of interest and tolerance, which is why patience is absolutely key when it comes to establishing proper brushing and flossing.
Luv Braces and Kids Dentistry is full of experts at both of our locations, and we’re always here to answer questions when they arise. Schedule your free consultation with us soon!