KAI tooth brushing technique: brush milk teeth properly

KAI tooth cleaning technique (chewing surfaces – outer surfaces – inner surfaces)

The “KAI method” (chewing surfaces – outer surfaces – inner surfaces) is a tooth brushing technique that even small children can remember well and that is shown and recommended by the dentist at the first visit to the dentist .

• First, the chewing surfaces are vigorously cleaned. First the upper, then the lower chewing surfaces.
• Then the incisors bite together and then the front teeth and other outer surfaces are brushed in a circular motion.
• Finally, it’s the turn of the inner surfaces of the teeth. Here it is a matter of taste: Either circular movements, as with the outer surfaces, or the inner sides of the teeth are “swept out”. Just try both with your child and see what he or she enjoys more or what simply works better.

Figure: KAI Toothbrushing Technology

But watch out! Your child should not press the toothbrush too hard on their teeth when brushing. The gums are still sensitive and could easily be injured. Then rinse your mouth out with clear water and rinse the toothbrush thoroughly. In our article “ This is how children make brushing their teeth fun ” you will find many good ideas that you can use to motivate your child to brush their teeth.

The right toothbrush and toothpaste for the KAI tooth brushing technique

• Your child can only brush their teeth properly with the right toothbrush. A children’s toothbrush that has a non-slip handle, a small brush head and medium-soft plastic brushes is suitable for the offspring. An electric toothbrush is also highly recommended. There are already numerous, beautifully colored models for children.
• First, children use a special children’s toothpaste. After the sixth birthday, another paste comes on the implement: now it’s time for a junior or adult toothpaste.

5 more rules for brushing your teeth according to the KAI tooth brushing technique

• The Two Minute Rule : Dentists say that two minutes is the optimal brushing time. The teeth should be brushed according to a specific scheme. Tooth by tooth makes it easier. Then the time always stays the same.
• Brush with little pressure : If you apply strong pressure when brushing your teeth, then gums and tooth enamel can be injured. That’s why you should let your child brush with a soft to medium-hard toothbrush. A sensible alternative for a particularly gentle cleaning would also be a sonic toothbrush.
• Change your toothbrush regularly : Toothbrushes or brush heads should never be shared by more than one person. Everyone has their own brush! Also, changing it regularly is very important. Every six to eight weeks is normal.
• Use toothpaste containing fluoride : Toothpaste containing fluoride supports the cleaning of the teeth, builds up the tooth enamel and ensures a particularly fresh feeling in the mouth. However, children are more sensitive than adults to fluoride. That’s why children’s toothpaste contains only 500 ppm fluoride while adult toothpaste contains more than 1,000 ppm. It is therefore better to use a special children’s toothpaste. Also, make sure it doesn’t taste too sweet. Otherwise your child will find it difficult to switch to real toothpaste later on. It should also not contain any sugar. From the age of six your child can use “adult toothpaste”.
• Let fluoride work : Thoroughly rinsing your mouth isn’t necessarily the right thing to do. A sip of water for rinsing is enough. The fluoride in the toothpaste can still have an effect in the mouth. On the other hand, if you rinse properly, they will be lost.

According to KAI: adult tooth brushing technique

When your child goes to elementary school and is already brushing their teeth very confidently, they should switch from the KAI toothbrushing technique to the technique for adults – the so-called bass technique. The toothbrush is placed on the gums and teeth at a 45° angle. With small, shaking back and forth movements, the bristles are lightly pressed against the teeth and gums. The movements are carried out within half a tooth width. This loosens the plaque and removes it thoroughly and gently. These movements should be performed at least ten times per tooth section. It is best to start with the outer surfaces, then the inner surfaces and finally the chewing surfaces again. The total cleaning time should not exceed two to three minutes.

From when your child can brush itself , when the permanent teeth come and much more can be found in our “milk teeth” section.