Toothbrushing advice

Toothbrushing should start as soon as the first tooth appears using a baby toothbrush. Teeth should be brushed twice a day and the most important time is before bedtime. Remember to encourage your child or young person to spit out the excess toothpaste but not to rinse their mouth.

Toothbrushing should be supervised up to the age of 7 years, but for children and young people with additional needs or disabilities they may require support into adult life.

The best way to brush your child’s teeth is to either stand or sit behind them, so you can see where you are brushing and support your child’s head.

• Children aged 0-three should use a smear of fluoride toothpaste. The toothpaste should contain no less than 1,000ppm fluoride.
• Children three-six should use a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1350-1500ppm fluoride.

If your child does not like the taste and texture of toothpaste, there are flavourless or low foaming options available. If your child has sensory seeking behaviours, then a powered toothbrush may help if brushing with a manual toothbrush is difficult.

When toothbrushing is difficult

Sometimes you may find it difficult to carry out toothbrushing with your child or young person. It is important to keep trying and not give up, below are some tips to help you from parents, carers and dentists:

• If your child gags or retches when you try to carry out toothbrushing, start brushing from the front of the mouth. Frequent breaks may help.
• For tight lips, try massaging the lips and cheeks before brushing.
• A parent or carer can brush their teeth at the same time
• Place your hand over the child’s hand to help guide toothbrushing.
• Two toothbrush technique: let your child hold or bite a toothbrush whilst you clean with the other one.
• Use distractions, like toys, music, videos, or another object to hold.
• Communication is important, explain what you are going to do clearly, provide reassurance and be positive giving

Remember you can always try brushing at a different time in the day.

Specialised toothbrushes

Using a specialised toothbrush can make toothbrushing easier and quicker for a child or young person. The three-headed toothbrush is suitable for those who may struggle to open their mouth for long periods of time. This brush is useful for carers who need to support with toothbrushing.

Three-headed toothbrushes can be purchased online and are available from a variety of different brands.

• Collis Curve toothbrush has a triple head that helps clean all three sides of the tooth in one action.
• Dr Barman’s super brush has a triple head that helps clean all three sides of the tooth in one action.

Adapting toothbrushes

Adapting a toothbrush can help people struggling to grip the toothbrush. This will help with brushing and reaching all parts of the mouth easier, promoting independence when toothbrushing.

Below are some examples of how brushes can be adapted using household items that are easy to find.

You can ask for further advice from a dental health professional.

For more information email: dentalservice@bdct.nhs.uk