For kids, the most important goal is brushing twice each day with fluoride toothpaste, including a thorough brushing before bed. A consistent morning brushing also helps remove plaque and provides teeth with additional exposure to cavity-fighting fluoride.
Exactly when morning brushing happens can depend on your family’s routine and what your child eats for breakfast.
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Should You Brush Your Teeth Before or After Breakfast?
Brushing before breakfast removes plaque that has accumulated overnight and coats the teeth with fluoride before eating.
If your child prefers brushing after breakfast, be careful not to brush immediately after acidic foods or drinks. Acidic foods and drinks can temporarily make the enamel surface more vulnerable to wear, and brushing too soon may contribute to erosion. After an acidic breakfast, have your child rinse with water and wait about an hour before brushing.
Ultimately, brushing thoroughly every morning is more important than whether it happens before or after breakfast.
Why Is Brushing Before Bed So Important?
Bedtime is one brushing session you don’t want your child to miss. Brushing before bed removes plaque and food debris that have accumulated throughout the day and leaves fluoride on the teeth overnight.
Ideally, brushing should be the last part of your child’s nighttime routine. Afterward, stick with water rather than snacks, milk, juice, or other drinks that expose freshly cleaned teeth to sugars or carbohydrates.
How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Everyone, including kids, should brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. For children, using the right amount of toothpaste for their age and brushing for about two minutes helps clean all tooth surfaces thoroughly.
Younger children still need help brushing thoroughly. Parents should brush their child’s teeth or supervise closely until they have the coordination and skills to clean all tooth surfaces effectively on their own.
At Stanley Pediatric Dentistry, we work with kids and parents to build good brushing habits, including showing children proper brushing techniques and identifying areas that may need a little extra attention.
FAQs
What happens if my child only brushes once a day?
Brushing once a day is better than not brushing, but it leaves more time for plaque to build up on the teeth. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque regularly and gives the teeth more consistent protection against cavities.
Should kids brush their teeth right after eating candy?
It isn’t always necessary to brush immediately after eating something sweet. Have your child drink or rinse with water, and maintain the regular twice-daily brushing routine. If the food or drink was also acidic, avoid brushing immediately afterward.
Should children rinse after brushing?
Once children are able to spit reliably, they can spit out excess toothpaste without rinsing with water afterward. This leaves a small amount of fluoride on the teeth, where it can continue helping strengthen enamel and protect against cavities.
Make Brushing Part of Your Child’s Routine
A consistent morning and bedtime brushing routine can help healthy habits become second nature for kids. Regular pediatric dental exams and cleanings also help keep your child’s teeth on track as they grow.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Overland Park, call (913) 345-0331 or visit us at 8575 W 110th St Suite 310, Overland Park, KS.
