How Early Should You Begin Brushing Your Kid’s Teeth?

child brushing her teeth

It’s never too early to start teaching your children good oral hygiene habits! When should you begin brushing your kid’s teeth? Well, as parents, it’s something we need to start tackling shortly after the birth of our kids. 

Not only is this an important step in keeping their smile shining, but it helps set a strong foundation for healthy dental care routines that they can use into adulthood. 

Let’s take a look at why and when you should get started with brushing your youngster’s pearly whites!

kid's teeth

When To Start Brushing Your Kid’s Teeth?

Beginning brushing a kid’s teeth at an early age is important for long-term oral health. As soon as your child has their first tooth, you should begin brushing it with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste – about the size of a grain of rice. 

Be sure to use an age-appropriate soft-bristled brush and gently brush the fronts and backs of each individual tooth twice a day. You’ll also want to start flossing your kid’s teeth to get rid of plaque between their teeth once two or more teeth are touching. 

With proper brushing techniques and regular visits to the dentist, brushing your child’s teeth can help set them up for great oral health in years to come.

How Many Times Can You Brush Your Kid’s Teeth A Day?

Brushing a child’s teeth is an essential part of maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine, and children should brush their teeth twice a day. 

However, this isn’t just a one-time assignment; it requires dedication and time to ensure your little one’s teeth stay healthy and strong. Creating a brushing pattern that builds the habit of brushing teeth twice per day is essential for optimal dental care, especially seeing as children’s mouths contain more bacteria than adults. 

To ensure they brush correctly and remember to brush, parents should help their toddlers brush until age 7 or 8. Teaching them the right brush techniques can preserve the health of their young teeth even as they grow older!

What To Do If Your Kid Does Not Want To Brush Their Teeth?

Brushing a kid’s teeth is an essential part of their daily routine but can sometimes become a battle of wills. 

To ensure that brushing their teeth is a positive experience, there are several techniques parents can use to make an enjoyable event for everyone involved. Praise and rewards for brushing teeth can be helpful incentives. Turning brushing time into a song or game can also turn it into a fun activity rather than a chore. 

Additionally, discussing the benefits brushing provides such as overall dental health can help to explain why brushing is important and why their cooperation should be encouraged. With these simple ideas, brushing time with your little one does not have to be a struggle.

Is Fluoride Toothpaste Safe For Your Baby?

It is essential for parents to understand when their children can start using fluoride toothpaste. Documentation from the American Dental Association recommends fluoride toothpaste for babies as soon as they have two teeth side-by-side. 

In order to safely use fluoride toothpaste, infants should be supervised while brushing and have a smear of fluoride toothpaste at least until they are three years old. Parents should then switch to a pea-sized amount once the child turns three. 

As fluoride helps prevent cavities more effectively than non-fluoride toothpaste, it is important that caregivers ensure their children are using fluoride toothpaste properly.

Visit Ballarat Dentist Now!

Proper dental care for children is important to avoid cavities and other future oral problems. Kids should brush their teeth at least twice a day, and parents can help by providing regular reminders and ensuring that kids have the necessary tools available. For more tips on how to take care of your child’s teeth, or to find a qualified dentist in your area, visit our website today.

Categorized in: Childrens Dentistry