First Impressions Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

You’re not alone! Even as pediatric specialists with years of practice, we still have brushing battles with our little ones at home. Here are three common issues we see, and how you can maneuver for a good brushing in each situation. Try out these tips tonight and let us know if they worked for you!

B R U S H  B I T I N G 

If your little one is chomping down on the brush, wiggle your fingertip to the back of their mouth where you’ll find a soft gum pad. Use this area as leverage to keep the mouth open (or sometimes just a gentle reminder by touching this soft spot is all you need!) while you brush with your other free hand. 

S E A L E D  L I P S 

Can’t seem to even get their mouth open to brush? Use the index finger of your non-brushing hand to hold their upper lip towards their nose. 

T A N G L E D – I N – T O N G U E 

Wiggly tongue getting in the way or making it hard to see? Gently move their tongue to one side of the mouth with your non-brushing hand, while you maneuver the brush around the open side of the mouth freely. Try this for short intervals and release the tongue to keep things light-hearted.