When Should You Start Brushing Your Child’s Teeth?

Your baby’s first tooth will often erupt when they’re around six months old. This is, of course, a very exciting milestone, but it also raises important questions: how early do you need to start brushing your child’s teeth? And when should they start brushing on their own? After all, good oral hygiene early in life could make all the difference for your little one’s smile later on. Fortunately, your children’s dentist is here to explain what you need to do when it comes to caring for your child’s teeth.

When’s the Best Time to Start Brushing Your Baby’s Smile?

Simply put, you should start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear. Any tooth that is visible above the gums is a potential target for plaque and tartar buildup. These harmful substances can easily lead to cavities if they’re not removed in time. Thus, it’s in your child’s best interest to start brushing their teeth as early in life as possible.

How Should You Brush Your Baby’s Teeth?

It should be noted that many dentists recommend regularly cleaning your child’s mouth before their teeth even erupt; that way, you can stop bacteria from accumulating on their gums. You can simply take a soft, damp washcloth and run it gently over your little one’s gums whenever they’re done eating.

Once your baby gets their first tooth, you should start brushing it with a toothbrush designed for infants; this means one that has a soft brush, a small head, and a large handle. Remember, you should only use a very small amount of toothpaste that’s no bigger than a grain of rice. This should be enough until your child turns three years old, at which point you should switch to using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

When Should Your Child Start Brushing On Their Own?

You can typically expect your child to be ready to start brushing their own teeth by their sixth birthday. Of course, it will take time for them to truly adopt the right oral hygiene habits to the point where you can trust them to do it by themselves without prompting. As such, you should plan on supervising your child while they brush their teeth until they turn nine or ten.

The right brushing habits can go a long way toward keeping your child’s precious smile safe and healthy during the early years of their development. If you have any questions about brushing your little one’s teeth, be sure to speak to your children’s dentist.

About the Author

Dr. Jed M. Koops went to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH for his dental education. He belongs to various dental organizations, including the Greater Cleveland Dental Society. His practice in Beachwood, Orange Place Family Dentistry, accepts children of all ages, including infants who recently got their first teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Koops, visit his website or call (216) 464-2448.