Hello, fellow hatchlings and herbivores! Whether your child is a towering Tyrannosaurus or a tiny Pteranodon, one thing matters across all of dino-kind: keeping those chompers clean. Dinosaurs never had toothbrushes, but our kids do, and brushing is one of the best things families can do for healthy smiles.

Here’s why it matters, plus simple tips from our team at Every Little Tooth in Chesapeake.

1. Plaque Causes Cavities

Plaque is the sticky film that forms on teeth. According to the ADA, the bacteria in plaque feed on leftover food, especially sugary foods, and make acids that can harm tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Brushing removes plaque before it can do damage.

2. Healthy Teeth Make Eating Easier

Try crunching a crisp Cretaceous carrot with a sore tooth. Not fun! Healthy teeth help kids chew comfortably, eat a variety of foods, and enjoy snack time.

3. Fresh Breath

Nobody wants to share a nest with a Stego that smells like swamp breath. Brushing and flossing remove the food and plaque that can make breath less than fresh.

4. Baby Teeth Matter Too

The ADA explains that baby teeth help kids chew, speak, and smile, and help make sure adult teeth come in correctly. Caring for them now helps set up a healthy smile for the long run.

How Much Toothpaste?

The ADA recommends fluoride toothpaste in age-appropriate amounts:

• Under age 3: a smear about the size of a grain of rice.
• Ages 3 to 6: no more than a pea-sized amount.

Fluoride toothpaste shouldn’t be swallowed, so help your child spit out the extra, and supervise brushing for young children.

Choosing a Toothbrush

The ADA recommends a soft-bristled brush that fits the mouth and reaches all areas easily. Replace it every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Letting kids choose a brush in their favorite color can make brushing something they look forward to. Look for the ADA Seal on toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Make It Fun

Turn brushing into a game: roar like a T. rex while brushing the back teeth, or “find the food fossils” together. Brushing alongside your child shows them it’s a family habit.

Dino Tips for Clean Chompers

• Brush twice a day: morning and night, as the ADA recommends.
• At least two minutes: the ADA recommends brushing for at least two minutes each time. A song or a sand timer helps.
• The right technique: hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently move it back and forth in short, tooth-wide strokes. Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
• Grown-up help: brush for young children and supervise as they learn.
• Floss daily once teeth touch (see our flossing post).
• Regular checkups: the ADA recommends seeing your dentist regularly. Your child’s dentist will let you know how often.

Final Roar

Whether your little one is roaring through the backyard or sipping a smoothie, clean teeth make for a happy dino. Take care of those chompers, and they’ll take care of you, one bite at a time.

Every child is different, so give us a call with any questions about your child’s brushing routine.

Time for a checkup? Call Now: 757-800-1011. We’d love to see your family at our Chesapeake office.