Caring For Your Child’s Teeth: When to Start Brushing and Flossing

A milestone that many parents tend to cherish is when their baby’s primary teeth start to erupt. This can occur around six months of age, but when should you start brushing them? You might be asking this along with other things like flossing, but starting good oral hygiene habits now can help their grin be stronger later. Here’s what you need to know about when it’s time to start taking care of growing smiles.

When Should I Begin Brushing My Baby’s Smile?

In short, you should start brushing your child’s baby teeth as soon as they appear! When they poke through the gums, they can become a target for plaque and bacteria. These produce an enamel-dissolving acid that can turn into a cavity later on. So, doing it right away can help keep their grin in great shape.

How Can I Start Brushing My Baby’s Teeth?

While brushing your child’s teeth occurs as they pop up, cleaning their mouth starts well beforehand! Wiping down their gums with a soft, damp washcloth can remove and prevent bacterial buildup. Do it after they eat, and you can even get them used to an oral hygiene routine.

When their teeth start to come in, you should use an infant toothbrush. A grain-of-rice-sized amount of toothpaste is great to begin with, but you can upgrade to a pea-sized amount around age three.

Around 12 to 18 months or when all your loved one’s baby teeth have come in, you can then floss. Regular dental thread might be hard to use at first, so consider floss sticks or picks as they can be easier for you and your child.

When Can My Child Start Brushing Their Teeth Themself?

Usually, kids can start to brush on their own by their sixth birthday. It’ll take time for them to make it a habit, but you should do your best to point them in the right direction. You can offer small rewards or do it with them to help make it a routine they’ll eventually do on their own. You should also supervise them until they are around nine or ten; that way, you can make sure they do each oral hygiene step properly.

You’ll need to help your child have a stronger smile at first, but remember when to start their brushing and flossing. You can also talk to their pediatric dentist who can give you more personalized advice to help you succeed.

About the Practice

At Stroud Pediatric Dentistry, your child benefits from the skilled leadership of Dr. Robert Stroud and Dr. Michael Ball. We are dedicated to helping the growing grins in the Willow Park community build great habits they take into their adulthood. If you want to learn more about your baby’s teeth and how to care for them, schedule an appointment or call our office at (817) 441-2425.