Tooth Brushing
Kid and Child focused Dentist In Grand Blanc MI
Brushing & Flossing Instructions
Children’s hands and mouths are different than adults. They need to use toothbrushes designed for children. Both adults and children should use brushes with soft, rounded bristles for gentle cleaning. Change to a new brush about every three months.
Wipe infant’s gums gently with a moist, soft cloth or gauze square. As babies grow and teeth start to erupt, use a child’s toothbrush with a small smear (size of rice) of toothpaste. By age three you can use a pea-size amount of toothpaste and begin to teach your child to brush. You will still need to brush where they miss. Dentists and hygienists often advise children to use a gentle, circular motion to remove plaque.
Hold the brush and move in a circular with short strokes, about a half tooth wide.
- Brush the inside and outside surfaces of each tooth, top and bottom.
- Hold the brush flat on top of the teeth and brush the chewing surfaces.
- Gently brush the tongue to remove debris.
- Floss between teeth daily.
When To Begin Brushing
Once your child’s teeth begin erupting, you can begin cleaning them by wiping them with a moist washcloth after each feeding and brushing them daily with a soft child’s toothbrush. You should use a smear of toothpaste of fluorinated children’s toothpaste for children under three (3) and just a pea-sized amount of fluorinated toothpaste for children three to six or until your child is able to spit it out.
For most toddlers, getting them to brush their teeth can be quite a challenge. Some suggestions for making tooth brushing less of a battle can include:
- Let your child brush your teeth at the same time.
- Let your child pick out a few toothbrushes with his favorite characters and giving him a choice of which one he wants to use each time (this will give him some feeling of control over the situation).
- Let your child brush his own teeth first (you will likely have to “help out”).
- Let your child read children’s books about tooth brushing.
- Utilize a Mobile App or Website that encourages brushing.
- Have everyone brush their teeth at the same time.
It can also be a good idea to create a “tooth brushing routine”. And stick to the same routine each day. Ask a member of our Team to review how we can further help your family encourage healthy brushing habits.
Scheduling appointments for the family?
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Our Office is Open: Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
We are closed the 1st Friday of Every Month for Team Meetings.
Grand Blanc Pediatric Dentistry
Patient Testimonial By Amy R
My 3 year old daughter is non-verbal and high support ASD. She can be very physically and emotionally resistant to just about every form of medical profession. I have STRESSED so much over taking her to the dentist. I took the whole day off work in anticipation of a long/exhausting event. It was anything but that. They handled her visit with the genuine care and the patience she deserved. Gave her AMPLE time to become comfortable. Allowed her to sit with me during the entire visit. Had different aids to help accommodate her physical needs. Offered to turn down the lights, put her favorite movie on, limited people coming and going from the room, kept the noise low. And explained that anything more than a cleaning would likely be performed at the hospital under general anesthesia (including her x-rays). They were compassionate, understanding, experience with special needs, had a plan, kept me informed and gave me general expectations for her going forward. I am grateful and would highly recommend this practice.
- Amy R
Patient Testimonial By Shatner O
We had such a pleasant experience! From the moment we walked in, we felt the warmth of the office and the staff. The entire facility is geared toward children and the staff was so kind and so knowledgeable.
- Shatner O
Patient Testimonial By Jessica E
I cannot say enough about Grand Blanc Pediatric Dentistry! All the staff is Welcoming, Amazing, and Friendly. The building is beautiful! My son absolutely loves going!
- Jessica E
Patient Testimonial By Katie W
Amazing facility to make little ones feel comfortable. Debbie was the kindest and sweetest to our little one. It was our little ones first cleaning and she is now obsessed with cleaning her teeth.
- Katie W
Patient Testimonial By Kierra M M
I love this office! Called this morning the got us right in. No problems Very nice people front and back staff! Office is very clean and so cool for kids
- Kierra M M
Patient Testimonial By Faith L
The inside of the office is beautiful and so kid friendly! Beautiful office and staff!
- Faith L
Patient Testimonial By Everett O
The entire staff was incredible with the care of my three year old. He came in needing some work done and he was a bit apprehensive. The staff was so patient with him and really took their time to make him feel safe and comfortable. I highly recommend GBPD to anyone who is looking for a dentist for their little ones. ️
- Everett O
Patient Testimonial By Sarah B
Great facility and wonderful staff!
- Sarah B
Patient Testimonial By Melva H
The staff is very friendly and helpful with and accommodating a child with autism. 100% helpful making my child comfortable.
- Melva H
Patient Testimonial By Mandi C
Amazing place
- Mandi C
Patient Testimonial By Crystal N
Everyone is the office is so nice! Everything about their office is so inviting for kids and their parents. From the presentation of their office to the friendliness and comfort of the staff! It was our first visit and my son left saying "I can't wait to go back to the dentist!" Yes, my son actually said that...all day long after his apt! They put everything in words for my son to feel comfortable and not afraid. We were referred to them from another dentist and we will continue to use them for both our boys!
- Crystal N
Patient Testimonial By Justine J
My daughter has bad anxiety over the dentist (like every child) and they are so good with her. They take their time with her and make sure she is ready. I recommend this place to everyone!
- Justine J
Patient Testimonial By Dayna W
Our 3 year old son had his first ever dentist appointment today at grand blanc pediatric dentist and he did so amazing! The entire staff was wonderful and made him excited about his visit. Dr Kate and dental hygienist Kara were so incredibly sweet and made our son feel so comfortable, even going back for his appointment without mommy in the room ️ He told me when we got in the car that he can’t wait to go back for his next appointment ️ I definitely would recommend this office for your little ones.
- Dayna W
Patient Testimonial By Amelia D
All of the staff were kind and very helpful. Definitely will be returning.
- Amelia D
Patient Testimonial By Thara H
I absolutely love this dentist they are amazing they are kind sweet and caring and they know how to take care of your children
- Thara H
Patient Testimonial By Aubrey A
Love our dentist office! Well worth the hour drive for our sons appointments! Dr Ratliff is amazing and answered all our questions after his procedure. We will continue to see her for all our sons dental needs!
- Aubrey A
Patient Testimonial By Janet D
This appointment was for my 1 year old son Cody .. he had a cracked tooth and they had to pull it .. They all was very nice and very good to me and my son ! The doc actually took the time to play with my son to make him his feel comfortable and safe with her .. my son let her take him from me and I knew he would be ok even tho I still cry like a baby lol .. but I just wanted to take this time to say THANK YOU !! So much to all u ladies and to his doc today .. He even got a nickname peanut lol .. I’m proud to say my son now has a dentist to for to ! Thanks again for everything! You guys are the BEST!!!
- Janet D
Patient Testimonial By Meghann S
I take all my children here. After a bad experience at another pediatric office, my kids hated the dentist. Since we switched to GBPD my kids don’t scream or cry when it’s time to go to the dentist!
- Meghann S