Brushing Tips for Kids

You’re all set for your happy morning and nighttime ritual. You’ve provided your son with his favorite action hero toothbrush and your daughter with her favorite flavored toothpaste. You’ve gotten them into the healthy habit of two minutes of brushing twice each day. You’ve introduced them to flossing. You have favorite brushing songs! Stickers! Gold stars! And, best of all, you’re teaching great brushing techniques.

Kids need the same basic brushing tools and skills as adults. What makes for the best cleaning?

Find the right brush

No matter how cute—or heroic—the brush, it needs to have soft bristles to protect enamel and delicate gum tissue. The head should be a perfect fit for your child’s mouth. And if the handle is easy to grip and hold, you have a winner.

Find the right toothpaste

The bubblegum flavor might appeal to your child, but it’s the fluoride that helps to prevent cavities. Talk to us about the right time to start using fluoride toothpaste and the right amount for your child’s brush.

Teach your child the angles

If your child is too young to brush alone, start geometry lessons early. Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums will clean bacteria and plaque from the tooth surface and the gum line. And don’t forget the chewing surfaces and the insides of the teeth. When your child begins brushing on her own, coach her as she learns the best way to clean all the surfaces of her teeth.

Easy does it

Teeth and gums should be massaged, not scrubbed. Brushing too hard can damage not only tender gum tissue, but even your child’s enamel.

Learn to let go

No matter how comfortable and appealing the brush, after three or four months, it’s time for a change. Frayed bristles don’t clean as effectively, and making up for it by brushing harder isn’t the answer (see above). Also, toothbrushes can build up quite a collection of bacteria over time (see below), so a fresh brush is a must!

Everything in its place

A toothbrush should dry thoroughly between uses without touching other brushes. Placing a brush in a plastic container doesn’t let it dry and encourages bacterial growth. And a toothbrush needs its own space—touching toothbrush heads means sharing toothbrush bacteria. The best way to keep toothbrushes as dry and as germ-free as possible is to store them upright, without touching other brushes, in a clean, well-ventilated area.

Rinse and repeat

Your child should rinse his toothbrush before and after using it, and be sure to rinse his mouth as well. That should get rid of any leftover food particles brushing has removed.

Finally, keep up the good work! As you teach your child proper brushing techniques, and make sure she uses them as she grows, you are preparing her for a lifetime of great checkups with the doctor at our Everett, Washington office. Give yourself a gold star—you’ve earned it!

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

We value our patients’ feedback. Read below what our happy patients say about us!

  • "Absolutely love my dentist and dental hygienist. If you want a knowledgeable, kind, and trustworthy dental clinic to go to this is the place!"
  • "Great staff: Courteous, professional, efficient. The office and treatment spaces are clean and comfortable. Dr. Courrier knows what he is doing and the entire staff is focused on my care while l am there. They seem to keep things on schedule, so l haven't experienced any waiting. The reception support staff has helped me to better understand my insurance benefits and utilize them efficiently. Thank You!"
  • "I’ve been going to see Dr. Courrier for over 20 years now. I always feel like family when I visit his office. He is amazing. Gentle. Knowledgeable. And his staff is kind and wonderful as well. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a change or new to the area."
  • "Everyone in the office was incredibly kind and knowledgeable. They helped me feel comfortable through my dental anxiety, and Dr. Courrier did great work fixing my tooth"
  • "I have been going to this dentist for over 25 years as have my kids. Jen is a fabulous hygienist, I suffer with TMJ issues and so she’s always sensitive to making sure that the work she does doesn’t affect my jaw issues. I would recommend Dr. Courrier and Dr. Boggeri dental services to anyone, they are fabulous"
  • "Great staff, they make you feel comfortable and at ease during your visit. Will definitely recommend to family and friends!!!"