A Comprehensive Guide to Children's Tooth Brushing with David Drysdale

In the pursuit of nurturing the dental health of children, David Drysdale, Speciality Registrar at Great Ormond Street and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, offers invaluable advice, distilled from his extensive experience in paediatric dentistry. His approach combines practicality with a focus on early prevention, aiming to equip parents with the knowledge to foster good oral hygiene habits in their children from a young age.

• Start Early: Initiate tooth brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts to instil the importance of oral hygiene early on.
• Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Select fluoride toothpaste with a 1450ppm F (parts per million of fluoride) concentration, which is beneficial for teeth at all ages, to protect against cavities.
• Correct Amount of Toothpaste: Apply a smear for children under three and a pea-sized amount for those older, ensuring safety and efficacy.
• Make Brushing Fun: Incorporate a song to turn the two-minute brushing time into an enjoyable routine for children.
• Gradually Introduce Mint Flavour: Ease children into using mint-flavoured toothpaste, preparing them for adult preferences.
• Effective Brushing Technique: Use gentle, circular motions at the gum line to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
• Parental Supervision is Key: Oversee your child’s tooth brushing until they are about seven, guiding them to develop proper techniques.
• Electric Toothbrushes for Ease: Electric toothbrushes, especially those with rotating heads, are recommended for their simplicity and effectiveness, though manual brushing can also be efficient if done correctly.

By incorporating Drysdale's advice into their routines, parents can lay a strong foundation for their children's dental health, ensuring they grow up with healthy teeth and gums.

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