When it comes to your child’s smile, a big milestone that you might be waiting for is their primary teeth erupting. This happens around six months of age, but should you start brushing them right away? It might seem tricky on when to start doing dental hygiene on your loved one, so here’s a guide on what you should know so you feel confident taking care of growing grins.
When Should I Start Brushing My Baby’s Smile?
To make a long story short, you can start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Even if they are barely poking through the gums, bacteria can dissolve the enamel and lead to a cavity. So, by simply getting ahead of it, you can avoid any problems that plaque can cause.
How Should I Brush My Baby’s Teeth?
With that said, you might wonder what the best way is to clean your loved one’s smile. As you may already be familiar with, you might’ve started caring for their grin by wiping down their gums with a soft, damp washcloth. This can prevent buildup, so keep up with it and stick to doing it after feedings. Better yet, this can help get them used to an oral hygiene routine.
As soon as their baby teeth make themselves known, use an infant toothbrush and a grain-of-rice-sized amount to scrub away any plaque. At around age three, you can level them up to a pea-sized dollop.
Another way to help your child’s oral health stay strong is with flossing! At around 12 to 18 months, when all their teeth are in, you can start this habit. Regular dental thread can be tough to use, so use floss sticks as they can be easier to hold.
When Can My Child Brush on Their Own?
Your loved one will continue growing up, and they can start brushing their teeth by their sixth birthday. Building a good dental hygiene routine takes time, so make sure you are still monitoring them and giving them advice throughout. You can also incentivize them with a small reward. Once they are nine or ten, you may be able to let them fully take the reins.
In the end, wiping your child’s gums starts right away, and you can begin brushing when their tiny teeth finally erupt. Getting on it as soon as possible can lay the foundation for a strong smile you don’t have to stress about.
About the Practice
At Kemper Meadow Family Dentistry, our team is dedicated to helping a wide range of patients in Cincinnati with their oral healthcare. We understand how tricky it may be to take care of your child’s grin, so we are here to help. Our compassionate dentists will offer advice and make sure there isn’t anything to worry about with a checkup and cleaning. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at (513)648-9900.