When Should You Start Cleaning Your Child’s Teeth?

Every parent wants the best for their child, but there are certain questions that are difficult to answer on your own. One thing that many parents ask is when they should begin cleaning their child’s teeth. Do you need to worry about children’s oral health before their primary teeth begin erupting? When is it okay for them to brush on their own? Continue reading to learn more about the best way for you to help your child maintain a happy, healthy smile.

When Do You Need to Begin Brushing Your Child’s Teeth?

Many people don’t know, but you can actually begin implementing an oral hygiene routine just a few days after your child is born. It is a good idea to use a clean washcloth or wet gauze in order to gently wipe your baby’s gums after each feeding.

Once your child’s first tooth erupts, this is that time to begin brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush twice each day. You can allow the brush to soak in warm water for a few minutes before brushing to soften the bristles even more.

How Do You Brush Your Child’s Teeth?

1. First, apply toothpaste to the brush. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you use a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste for children who are 0 to 3 years old. After this, a pea-sized amount is sufficient. Be sure that the toothpaste that you choose contains fluoride. This is a natural mineral that is used in dentistry to protect and strengthen the protective enamel of the teeth.
2. Angle the toothbrush at approximately 45 degrees towards the gums. Gently move the toothbrush back and forth in order to reach the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
3. In order to brush the front teeth, place the toothbrush in a vertical position so that you clean both the front and back.
4. Gently brush your child’s tongue in order to remove bacteria from the surface.

When Can Children Brush on Their Own?

You should brush your child’s teeth for them until you are confident that they can brush on their own. This is usually around the age of 6 or 7, but every child is different. At this time, you should supervise them to ensure that they are using the right amount of toothpaste and spit it out instead of swallowing.

Toothbrushing is extremely important when it comes to the oral health of your children. By implementing a good oral hygiene routine early, you are setting them up to have a happy, healthy smile!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Duong is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over a decade. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and has completed a variety of continuing education courses in numerous topics, including pediatric dentistry. For more ways to keep you child’s smile healthy or to schedule an appointment at his office in Grand Prairie, visit his website or call (817) 406-7239.