Category Archives: How to Brush Your Teeth

Taking Care of Baby’s Baby TeethDon’t wait until your baby sprouts his or her first teeth to start thinking about protecting their oral health. Good dental care starts from the time your child is born.It’s important to make dental hygiene a regular part of your daily infant-care routine. Start by taking a wet washcloth and wipe your baby’s gums to clear away residue after feedings. Once primary teeth (e.g. baby teeth) come in, use a soft toothbrush and water to brush away debris, and avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.

Your dentist can tell you when it’s safe to start using fluoride toothpaste, but a pea-sized amount is usually recommended after the age of 2. Children should learn to spit out the toothpaste and rinse with water to prevent dental fluorosis. You can start teaching your child how to brush on their own after the age of 3.
How to floss properly should be introduced once teeth are large enough to touch each other. Regardless of when they start brushing their own teeth, children should be supervised until they are responsible enough to do it properly on their own.

Dentists recommend that children visit the dental office by their first birthday, and have regular dental visits twice a year — just like anyone else. Your dentist or pediatric dentist will not only check for signs of tooth decay, but can also look for any pre-existing conditions that may cause future dental problems.

A dental visit is a great time for your dentist or dental hygienist to show you the proper way to care for your child’s teeth. And thanks to modern dental practices combined with a gentle, caring dental staff, your child has no reason for dental anxiety.

Remember, excellent dental care will turn children’s toothless grins into gorgeous smiles, so get them started early for a lifetime of dental health.