As any parent knows, it’s easy to second-guess yourself when it comes to the best way to care for your child. There’s a wealth of information out there on everything from how much screen time they should have to the best diet and educational tools. But one thing you probably haven’t heard much about is how to brush their teeth as they grow from an infant to a toddler and beyond. In this blog, you’ll learn the best way to brush their teeth at each age and the importance of regular checkups with a pediatric dentist. With a little know-how from the start, you can make sure they have a healthy smile for life -without second-guessing yourself!
How Should You Brush Your Child’s Teeth at Each Stage?
One helpful hint is to start by buying a toothbrush that’s designed for your child’s age so it will be the right size and have the right kind of bristles (you’ll find an age-range right on the package).
Once you have the right brush, here are some tips on technique:
- Before they get their first tooth – At this stage, it’s important to begin gently wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth or piece of gauze. You can also buy extra-gentle “teething toothbrushes” that will do a great job. There’s no need for toothpaste, so just use tepid or lukewarm water.
- First tooth – After the first tooth erupts, make sure to use a brush instead of a piece of cloth so you can remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas. You should also use a very light smear or rice-sized amount of children’s toothpaste at this time.
- Three years old – Now you’ll have quite a few more teeth to brush! Make sure to gently brush the front, back and chewing surfaces of every tooth, and slightly increase the amount of toothpaste you use to a pea-sized amount. Be sure to help your child thoroughly spit out all the paste in their mouth.
Also, one way of making brushing more fun for your child is to play their favorite song while brushing or use one of the many apps designed to encourage good brushing habits.
When Should You Teach Them To Start Brushing Themselves?
When your child can hold a toothbrush on their own and spit in the sink by themselves, it’s a good time to let them brush independently. However, it’s still a good idea to supervise them to make sure they’re doing a thorough job.
What Else Can You Do To Encourage Good Oral Health?
It’s recommended to schedule your child’s first checkup with a pediatric dentist at the age of one. This is an opportunity to make sure that everything is developing normally, ask questions, and get information on various topics such as thumbsucking.
This will also help your child become accustomed to seeing the dentist from early on, which will make it much easier for them to get regular dental care throughout their entire lives.
Remember, by encouraging good oral health right from the start, you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
About the Author
Dr. Lily is a pediatric dentist who discovered her career path while working with special needs kids during college. As a young mother herself, she knows that first-time parents often have a lot of questions, so she always takes the time to educate them about caring for their child’s oral health. If you have any additional questions, she can be contacted via her website or at (469) 606-3460.