1. The toothbrush is dry.
It's tough to keep the toothbrush dry if you're actually
brushing! Make sure to check your child’s toothbrush every day (and
night ) – before it has time to dry.
2. You can still see food particles.
After your child has brushed, ask for a smile. If you can
still see bits of food on or in between your child's teeth, send your
child back to the bathroom for a do-over.
3. Teeth don’t pass the “squeak test.”
Have your child wet his or her finger and rub it quickly
across the outside and inside of his or her teeth. If the teeth are
clean, you will hear a squeaking sound.
4. Breath is everything but fresh.
If your child is brushing and flossing regularly, his or
her breath should be fresh. The foul odor associated with bad breath is
most often caused by food particles -- either food left in between teeth
or food trapped in the grooves on the tongue.
5. Your child has a toothache.
Even if you can't tell if your child is brushing well, a
toothache is a red flag. Make sure your child sees the dentist right
away – a filling or other treatment may be in order.
Remember, brushing is just one part of your child’s total
oral health regimen. In order to remove stubborn plaque and tartar
buildup and prevent other dental problems, regular exams and cleanings
are a must. Plus, your dentist can help reinforce the importance of good
oral hygiene with your child.
