Carly Glendinning meets Dr Reena Wadia to discuss toddler toothbrushing

“You’re never too young to learn about your oral health”, says Dr Reena Wadia as I lie back in the dentist’s chair in the stylish RW Perio clinic on Harley Street. Dr Reena has recently become a mum herself and we’re sharing toddler tooth brushing tips, whilst she gives me her signature ‘Polish and Perfect’ treatment. Founded by Dr Reena, RW Perio is renowned as the leading specialist gum and periodontal clinic in London. I tell her how my daughter enjoys the Hey Duggee Toothbrushing song, and she smiles, expressing how important it is for little ones to get into good oral health habits from a young age so that it’s easy later on. Here are her expert tips to make toddler tooth brushing easy.

Dr Reena Wadia’s top tips on how to make toddler toothbrushing easy…

Choose an appropriate toothbrush

Brush using an age-appropriate toothbrush – start with a manual, then consider an electric toothbrush in the teen years.

The importance of fluoride

Fluoride is key – it protects the teeth from decay. Ensure your toothpaste contains at least 1000 ppm but ideally 1350-1500 ppm. Use a pea-sized amount and ensure it is age appropriate. This can aid dental health by making tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. Remember to spit but don’t rinse to keep all the good stuff from the toothpaste on the teeth. 

Brush twice a day

Brush twice a day three seconds per tooth surface. AM and PM last thing at night. Set a timer! Brush for two minutes at least.

Brush along the gum-line

Ensure you are brushing along the gum-line where the bacteria gets trapped to prevent gum disease. Bleeding gums are not healthy – you wouldn’t ignore bleeding elsewhere.

Introduce flossing

Introduce flossing when teeth are tight together/starting to close. Floss picks / handles can be helpful.

When to use mouthwash

Mouthwash is handy when used at a different tine to brushing if undergoing any orthodontics.  

A note on snacking

Take care to avoid sugary, sticky snacks, acidic foods like juices and fizzy drinks that attack the teeth, and healthy fruits and vegetables. Reducing how much and how often children have sugar while introducing healthier foods like fruits and vegetables can help them avoid tooth decay and obesity.

Visit the dentist regularly

Schedule regular visits to the dentist to ensure a healthy, happy smile.

With thanks to Dr Reena Wadia.

Read more parenting tips here.