Tips for cleaning children’s teeth
As soon as the first teeth appear, start brushing carefully so that oral hygiene quickly becomes part of the normal daily routine. Because proper dental care for children is the foundation for maintaining healthy teeth into old age.
The “COI method”- how it works:
The easiest way for children to learn how to brush their teeth effectively is to use the step-by-step “COI method”: First is the chewing surfaces, then the outer surfaces and then the inner surfaces.
Step 1: Chewing Surfaces
First, brush backwards and forwards to clean the chewing surfaces. Start on the right-hand side, then the bottom, then the top. Do the same on the left- first the bottom, then the top.
Step 2: Outer Surfaces
Make small circular movements on the outer surfaces with a toothbrush. Start on the right-hand side, from the back to the front. Repeat on the left side. Then, bite the teeth together and smile so the front teeth can be brushed using small circular movements.
Step 3: Inner Surfaces
First, brush backwards and forwards to clean the chewing surfaces. Start on the right-hand side, then the bottom, then the top. Do the same on the left- first the bottom, then the top.
Extra Tip
Caries bacteria can be passed on to others. If you have caries bacteria in your mouth, they can be passed on to your child through saliva. So you shouldn’t lick your child’s spoon and them continue feeding them.
