5.3.15
Tooth Brushing
Caregivers/teachers should promote the habit of regular tooth brushing. Regular tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste is encouraged to reinforce oral health habits and prevent gingivitis and tooth decay.
Staff is encouraged to role model tooth brushing by brushing their own teeth with the children.
To learn more about oral hygiene and tooth brushing procedures for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, review the documents below:
- Caring for our Children – Chapter 3: Health Promotion and Protection – Oral Health
- Toothbrushing English | Spanish
- Oral Hygiene for Children English | Spanish
Tooth Brushing Procedures
- Birth to 12 months – Wipe the baby’s gums with a clean cloth or gauze after a meal (once per day). If a child is less than 12 months old and has visible teeth, gently brush teeth with a soft toothbrush after a meal (once per day).
- 12-18 months – Gently brush teeth with a soft toothbrush after a meal (once per day).
- 18 months-3 years – Brush the child’s teeth after a meal (once per day). Begin to teach the child to brush teeth with a soft toothbrush, using a small smear (grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste. See image below.
- 3-6 years – Help the child brush after a meal (once per day) using a soft toothbrush and a small (pea-sized) dab of fluoride toothpaste. See image below.
Tip: Make it Fun! Have the child hum “Happy Birthday” twice while brushing (or another fun song).
Applying Toothpaste
Do not apply toothpaste to the brushes directly from the toothpaste tube but rather place the toothpaste on a paper plate, paper towel, or paper cup.
To request tooth brushing supplies (brushes and paste), send an email to the Health Clerk (h-c@shskids.org) with details.
Toothbrush Storage
Each child/teacher has his/her own toothbrush, clearly marked with identification (child’s/staff member’s name) either on the toothbrush or storage container. Children may not share nor borrow toothbrushes.
Following use, toothbrushes are rinsed and stored so they stay clean and open to circulating air. Bristles are not to touch any other toothbrushes. Toothbrush storage rack/storage should be cleaned and sanitized as needed (when visibly soiled). Replace toothbrushes every three months or sooner if the bristles become bent or contaminated (dropped on the floor or visibly contaminated).
DO NOT DECONTAMINATE TOOTHBRUSHES.
DO NOT WASH TOOTHBRUSHES WITH ANYTHING OTHER THAN WATER.
DO NOT PUT TOOTHBRUSHES IN THE DISHWASHER.
References
- Caring for our Children – Chapter 3: Health Promotion and Protection – Oral Health
- Toothbrushing – English | Spanish
- Oral Hygiene for Children – English | Spanish