How should my child brush his or her teeth?
Good oral hygiene should start with the baby as soon as the first tooth has erupted at about half a year of age. Hand toothbrushes with soft bristles and a small head can be used for babies. As soon as the infants are able to brush their teeth independently at about 3 years of age, but under supervision and instructions, the horizontal technique is suitable.
In this technique, the children brush the outer surfaces of the closed rows of teeth by moving the toothbrush back and forth. At the age of 4-5 years, children should complement the Fones technique. In this technique, the toothbrush is moved in a circular motion over the outer surfaces of the closed rows of teeth.
The children should learn the KAI technique (occlusal surfaces – outer surfaces – inner surfaces). In this way, they learn to grasp all relevant areas of the mouth by brushing. An electric toothbrush is recommended from primary school age at the earliest. Before that, the children should learn motor skills to brush their teeth with the described brushing techniques.
What is the best tooth brushing technique?
It is not possible to call a single cleaning technique the best in general. The best brushing technique depends on the individual patient’s initial situation. Techniques that brush from the gums to the crown, i.e. the occlusal surface, are considered more effective than others.
In general, the techniques that guarantee a good cleaning of the interdental spaces are still the most recommended. These include the Bass and Stillmann techniques. However, these techniques are very difficult to learn and therefore not suitable for children, patients with motor disabilities or elderly people.
In addition, circular movements on the outer surfaces of the closed rows of teeth are good, since their movement pattern also moves the brush head from the edge of the gums to the occlusal surface. In general, however, one can say that everyone should try to use the individually correct, personally preferred and dentist recommended brushing technique to achieve an optimal brushing result. If the Bass or Stillmann technique is used, the application requires some practice.
In general, however, these two cleaning techniques achieve very good effects. In all cases a combination of the different techniques is best. This might also be of interest to you: Why do I have bleeding gums? – Possible reasons
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