Brushing teeth must first be learned and regularly practiced. Parents play a major role in this: as role models and as a control authority, parents can create the conditions for healthy teeth for their children. It is important to always follow the same system and sequence when caring for teeth – the easiest for children is the so-called KAI rule: chewing surfaces, outer surfaces, inner surfaces
How does it work?
- Chewing surfaces: First, the child brushes back and forth on the chewing surfaces. It is best to start on the right side: first at the bottom, then at the top. Then it’s the left side’s turn: first at the bottom, then at the top. Here back and forth brushing is allowed, so that even the deep grooves of the molars become clean.
- Outer surfaces: The child “paints” circles with the brush on the outer surfaces of the closed rows of teeth: On the right side from the very back to the front and on the left side also. Then the incisors are cleaned in the same way.
- Inner surfaces: Finally, all inner surfaces below and above come to it. Here you start again at the back and from red to white, which means from the gum to the tooth. The inner surfaces are “swept out” with small circles or with rotary movements as with a hand brush.
What else is important
Until the age of six, a fluoride-containing children’s toothpaste (fluoride content maximum 500 ppm) should be used. A pea-sized amount is quite sufficient for brushing teeth. A fluoride-containing toothpaste for adults (fluoride content 1,000 ppm – 1,500 ppm) may be used by the child only at school age.
Conclusion
It takes time for children to perfectly master brushing their teeth. Children up to the age of six are not yet brushing professionals – until then, parents are required. Parents must regularly check the brushing success and, if necessary, brush again. A task that may be annoying at times, but contributes significantly to the development of healthy children’s teeth.
