Is Your Child Really Cleaning Their Teeth When They Brush?
Posted on 10/12/2022
Your child may brush twice a day—but are they actually cleaning all the surfaces of their teeth?
It’s very common for children to brush quickly and repeatedly miss the same areas, especially along the gumline, between teeth, and around braces or orthodontic appliances.
That can leave plaque behind even when it looks like they’re doing everything right.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that continually forms on the teeth.
When bacteria in plaque interact with sugars from foods and drinks, they produce acids that can attack tooth enamel. Over time, repeated acid exposure can contribute to cavities.
Plaque left along the gumline can also irritate the gums and contribute to redness, swelling, and gingivitis.
How Can You Tell Whether Your Child Is Missing Plaque?
One simple option is a plaque-disclosing product.
Plaque-disclosing tablets, solutions and some toothpastes contain a temporary dye that makes areas of remaining plaque easier to see.
After your child brushes, the product highlights the spots that need more attention.
For kids, that can turn brushing into something much more visual:
“These are the spots you missed — now let’s clean them.”
Instead of simply telling your child to brush better, you're showing them exactly where they need to improve.
Plaque-Disclosing Tablets
Disclosing tablets are inexpensive and widely available.
Your child chews the tablet according to the product directions and moves the saliva around the teeth. Areas where plaque remains become temporarily stained.
They can then brush those areas again until the staining is removed.
The tablets can be a little messy, but many kids enjoy seeing the results.
Disclosing Toothpaste or Solution
Toothpaste and rinses are also designed to reveal plaque.
These can provide similar visual feedback and may be easier for some families to incorporate into a normal brushing routine.
Always follow the manufacturer's age recommendations and instructions.
This Can Be Especially Helpful With Braces
Braces create additional places where plaque and food debris can collect.
Children undergoing orthodontic treatment need to pay particular attention to:
- Around brackets
- Along the gumline
- Under orthodontic wires
- Between teeth
- Around bands and attachments
Regular plaque buildup around braces can increase the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and white spots on the teeth.
A disclosing product can help your child identify exactly where they need to brush more.
Help Your Child Build Better Brushing Habits
The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Younger children should be assisted or supervised until they develop the coordination and consistency needed to brush effectively on their own.
Parents can occasionally watch their child brush and check whether they're reaching every surface.
You may be surprised by how much a simple reminder — or a brightly colored patch of missed plaque — improves their technique.
Don't Forget Regular Dental Visits
Even excellent home care doesn't replace regular visits with your child's general dentist.
Professional examinations and cleanings can help identify plaque buildup, cavities, and gum problems early.
And if your child is wearing braces, the team at Tollgate Orthodontics can help reinforce proper brushing and cleaning techniques throughout treatment.
A few extra minutes spent learning good brushing habits now can help protect your child's smile for years to come.