Brushing is one of those activities where quality matters just as much as quantity. However, the repetition can make it seem boring for kids, who may then neglect to brush long enough. Here, the pediatric dentists at Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, explain how long children should brush and what you can do to foster good brushing habits in them.

How Long Should Kids Brush Their Teeth?

Even if their technique is perfect, kids won’t be able to maintain healthy mouths if they don’t brush for long enough. Experts recommend doing so at least twice a day for two minutes. For optimum oral health, though, you should brush the upper and lower teeth for 90 seconds each. If you rush through or have poor technique, you’ll leave behind plaque and tartar, which can cause dental health issues down the road.

How Do You Teach Them About Oral Health?

Adults know how to make time in their daily routine to brush adequately, but three minutes can feel like an eternity for kids. Even though brushing can be boring, your kids will be more inclined to do it if they know its purpose. Talk to them about bacteria and decay in an age-appropriate way, so they feel compelled to clean their mouths. If you’re not sure where to start, look up educational books, songs, and cartoons about oral health designed for children around their age. 

How Can You Make Brushing Fun?

Once your kids are old enough to brush on their own, devise creative measures to help them track the total duration. For example, you could put on a favorite song and tell them not to stop brushing until the song ends. Older children might find timers cooler than songs, so put a cooking timer in the bathroom for the whole family to use. There are also electric toothbrushes with built-in timers, which are ideal for those who might forget to play a song or set a timer before they start brushing. 

In addition to brushing their teeth every day, children should visit a pediatric dentist every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning. If your child is overdue for a cleaning, bring them to Pediatric Dental Group. Since 1966, this family-friendly practice has provided comprehensive care for even the fussiest patients. They emphasize preventative techniques to help children learn lifelong oral hygiene habits. Visit the website to explore all the procedures they offer, and call (808) 593-8828 to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist today.