Adhering to a solid oral hygiene routine is undoubtedly the best way to ensure your smile looks and feels its best—and these habits become important at a very young age! By establishing good oral health during their youth, children are able to grow up with resilient and beautiful pearly whites that shield them from future dental issues. But is there an ideal time to begin brushing your little one’s teeth? Here’s more from your pediatric dentist about the importance of helping your child brush, the best time for them to start, and some tips for making the process easier.
The Best Time to Start Cleaning Your Child’s Teeth
In short, the best time to start taking care of your child’s teeth is when they start to come in! You can even begin taking care of them before this point, by using a clean washcloth or wet gauze to gently wipe down your infant’s gums after feedings. However, as soon as their first tooth erupts, it’s time to begin using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day.
This could happen anytime in their first 4 to 12 months, so be watchful and don’t wait to start—research shows that almost 80% of US children start brushing later than they should, meaning it’s up to you to help your little one begin establishing good oral habits.
Tips for Brushing Your Child’s Teeth
Here are a few useful tips that you can use to successfully brush your child’s teeth:
- Use the right amount of toothpaste – the American Dental Association recommends a rice-sized smear for children ages 0 – 3 years old, and a pea-sized amount for children ages 3 and up. Be careful here since your child can develop fluorosis if they ingest too much toothpaste.
- Angle the toothbrush at 45 degrees – The toothbrush should be held facing towards the gums of the upper or lower teeth. If your child can’t do this on their own, do it for them.
- Move the brush gently back and forth using short, tooth-sized strokes – Continue this technique for the interior, exterior, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Don’t rush the process, opting for care rather than efficiency.
- Brush the tongue to remove bacteria from the surface – The tongue can collect bacteria too, so ensure that it’s thoroughly cleaned by brushing.
The Value of a Pediatric Dentist
You’re not entirely alone when it comes to caring for your little one’s smile—their pediatric dentist also plays a pivotal role. You should take your child to their first dental visit following the eruption of their first tooth. They have the tools, training, and knowledge needed to make sure your child’s oral health is set up for success from an early age. They can also provide you with additional tips to ensure that your little one’s teeth are as bright and white as possible for many years to come.
About the Practice
The team at Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry is thrilled to provide patients and families in the Altavista community with an exceptional level of dental care. Under the leadership of Dr. Paul Miller, Dr. Rudy Wolf, and Dr. Gwen Hooks, they offer a wide range of services including pediatric dentistry. If you have any questions about the article, or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or your child, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for further assistance: (434) 324-8241.