I am just curious. Do your kids brush before they eat breakfast or after they eat breakfast?
I have always had my kids brush after breakfast. It usually is really rushed and I am watching the clock so we don't miss the bus. My son brushes his teeth, then I have to brush them again...he seems to think that a 3 second whir with the spin brush gets them clean. He is six and oral hygiene is not a biggie on his list.
This morning he was up early and ate early. We went and brushed teeth it was great with no rush, BUT then we went back to the kitchen and I realized he hadn't taken his allergy medication. He took it, it is liquid and full of sugar...he followed it with the rest of his milk left in the cup (milk worst substance known to man for teeth corrosion). The mom in me was like, "he needs to brush his teeth again", but of course we didn't who wants another teeth brushing lament from him.
I started thinking that brushing before breakfast would be easier, but is it better to brush after so they stay cleaner a bit longer?
I know a silly question. But with the amount dentists cost I was curious...does it matter?
We brush after breakfast. If they forget to finish their milk or juice or have to take a liquid medicine then they rinse their mouths out with water. My kids are 7 & 4 and so far no cavities.
We brush after breakfast and before bed. Sometimes my oldest will brush her teeth when my husband does, before her breakfast, but we always brush again afterwards.
Plus, if we have orange juice or something for breakfast, brushing before makes it taste sour.
Afterward, because they brush at bedtime. Brushing before eating makes food and juice taste gross.
DS brushes after breakfast, before he gets dressed (that way the toothpaste is on the pajamas, not the clothes). However, I brush immediately after I wake up and wash my face. I could never face another human being without brushing first.
I'm not a dentist, but isn't milk good for teeth and bones with all the calcium?
Mine brush after they eat. They rinse with that Crest rinse for kids that helps fight cavities and strengthens enamal, and they can't eat for 1/2 hour afterwards, so we have to brush after. It makes me feel good knowing their teeth are clean in the morning and will stay that way until lunch. I keep a timer in the bathroom, set for 2 min. I tell them to just brush all their teeth and when the timer goes off, they are done.
After that way the sugar and food isnt sitting on their teeth till the next meal.
After breakfast around our house...
I have the same problem with getting my son's teeth brushed before we have to get out of the house for school. I have started putting toothpaste on their brushes and bringing them into the kitchen. As soon as they finish eating their breakfast, before they are excused from the table, I quickly hand them their brushes, some water, and a spit bowl, and they brush at the table. Saves a ton of time and I don't have to chase him into the bathroom to get it done. I also use that opportunity when both of the boys are seated to put their shoes on them, and then we get out the door.
Husband and I brush when we wake up, then again after eating and ready to go. For our boys: they eat very soon after waking up, I give medicines (if any) and vitamins with breakfast, and then we go brush teeth. I do the littlest's teeth and he loves to swish water after. I let my oldest (age 4) brush his own teeth while I do the baby's teeth, but once I'm done with the baby, it's my turn to do the "final run" on the 4 year old. I brush his teeth and then it's time to get dressed and watch Dinosaur Train. Once teeth are brushed and clothes are on, the kitchen is "closed" until snacktime. When the kitchen is closed, they can have water, but that is all. It's just matter of fact here, so there's no arguing. I really think it's best to brush teeth after eating because it's the junk from food that causes bacteria and decay.
I used to work for a dentist, so I know they recommend to brush after eating (any meal). So I would say it is best to brush after. We have the same issue with rushing and sometimes my son doesn't brush in the AM at all, but as long as he gets them really good at night we seem to be doing OK. His last check up at the dentist was stellar, no cavities or soft spots! I found that having my son use the mouthwash that turns plaque colors, really helps him brush it all away. You brush then rinse to see if you left any behind, then you can see what you need to brush. It's kind of gross but the kids think it's cool and it really helps my son to brush well in the evening.
AFTER bfast!!! Of course. My son brushes before going to school and once again before going to bed. On weekends also after lunch, so 3x a day.
