2-2-2 Rule for Optimal Children’s Oral Health

Great oral care starts early. It is imperative that you begin taking care of your child’s oral health even before their first tooth erupts. By age one, brushing your child’s gums and/or tooth/teeth is recommended by local dentists serving Bucks County as well as the American Dental Association (ADA.)

2-2-2 Rule for Proper Oral Health

Remember the 2-2-2 rule to ensure proper oral care for your children. Infants as young as one-year-old should adhere to the 2-2-2 rule. Exactly what is the 2-2-2 rule and how does it benefit your child?

The 2-2-2 rule suggests:

• Children visit the dentist two times per year
• Children brush their teeth twice each day
• Children should brush their teeth for two minutes each session

Two Dental Visits Per Year

Two dental visits to our local dentist serving Bucks County each year prevent oral health concerns that may lead to more serious problems if not discovered quickly. This includes cavities and gum disease, conditions affecting thousands of children each year. Each visit, the dentist examines the child’s mouth and cleans their teeth. This process removes plaque and other stuck-on debris, revealing cleaner, whiter and healthier teeth. The ADA recommends that everyone visit their dentist for oral care twice per year.

When to Brush Teeth

Children should brush their teeth once in the morning after they wake up and again at night before they go to bed. Help smaller children who may not thoroughly clean their teeth until they can do it themselves. Fun decorated toothbrushes and even musical toothbrushes encourage children to brush their teeth longer and properly. Use a pea-size amount of toothpaste to brush teeth in children two and older.

Two Minute Brushing

Brushing for two minutes each session ensures complete tooth cleanliness. Brush in a circular motion, using gentle strokes. Never scrub your child’s teeth. Do not forget to brush the back of the teeth and the teeth in the back of the mouth during this two-minute period. You should also brush your child’s tongue, which freshens their breath and removes bacteria and germs.

Adhering to the 2-2-2 rule simplifies oral health for children of all ages.

Our local dentist serving Bucks County offers children dentistry services. Schedule an appointment with our compassionate dentists and take the best care of your children’s oral health.