When Should I Start Brushing My Child’s Teeth?

There is an important rule of thumb to remember when it comes to brushing and flossing your child’s teeth – it’s never too early to start. Maybe your little one is about to turn one, but you haven’t spent much time focused on their smile. Or maybe you’re expecting a baby and want to give them the best chance for healthy teeth and gums from the start. A pediatric dentist is here to help keep your little one’s smile on the right track.

How Can I Care For My Infant’s Smile?

Everyone loves a gummy smile. In the days, weeks, and months of a baby’s life, most parents can’t get enough of their toothless grin. And although it might seem as if caring for their oral health at this point is futile, the truth is that it is a great place to start.

One thing you can begin to do is to wipe your baby’s gums using a clean washcloth after every feeding. This protects the soft oral tissues from allowing any bacteria or sugars to remain on the gums and cause problems of inflammation or tenderness in the future.

How Many Teeth Should My Child Have Before I Begin Brushing and Flossing?

The moment their first baby tooth erupts, you’ll want to be prepared to keep it clean. Even a single tooth deserves optimal care. You can accomplish this by using either a finger brush or a small, soft-bristled toothbrush.

Also, you’ll only want to use a smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice), as your little one will be unable to spit properly until they reach the age of three. By brushing each morning and night, you can establish good oral habits early on.

When it comes to flossing, many dentists suggest that as soon as you notice teeth beginning to touch, you need to start incorporating flossing into their daily routines. If you prefer, you can use floss picks instead of traditional dental floss to clean their teeth, as it may prove easier.

What Are Important Tips to Remember When Brushing?

You’ll want to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush, as this will be gentler on your child’s teeth. Also, make sure to abide by the smear of toothpaste rule to avoid fluorosis or overconsumption of fluoride. Remember, your child will receive this valuable mineral when drinking tap water and when eating certain fruits and vegetables.

Once your child is old enough to begin brushing and flossing on their own, make sure they are equipped with the right size toothbrush (one with a large handle for better grip), fluoride toothpaste, and easy-to-use dental floss, so they can continue to hone their oral hygiene habits for a healthier smile.

About the Practice
Kids Dentist is a pediatric dental practice in Grayslake that is led by a team of professionals who are committed to ensuring healthy, growing smiles. With four dentists and a team of qualified staff, we are here to make oral hygiene fun and exciting for kids of all ages. Whether your little one requires your help to keep their teeth and gums clean, or they’re preparing to take the reins, we invite you to contact us via our website or call (847) 223-1400 to learn how we can help.