There are so many “firsts” with a new baby that sometimes it’s hard to keep track – first smile, first laugh, first tooth. With all those firsts coming so fast at new parents, knowing when to first start caring for baby’s dental health is important and may come sooner than most realize.
When To Start
Caring for your baby’s teeth doesn’t start when that first little tooth mercifully pops through baby’s gum. It’s recommended that baby’s gums should be gently wiped with a clean, moist washcloth or gauze a few days after birth.
Brushing Baby’s Teeth
Generally, teeth begin appearing at six months of age. Brushing for children younger than three years of age can begin when teeth begin to appear, either using a clean cloth or a brush with just a small smear of flouride toothpaste. As with adults, brushing in the morning and the evening is a good routine for children to follow. At this age, it is important to help with brushing to make certain they use the right amount of tooth paste, don’t swallow it and begin to learn the correct way to brush.
Children ages three to six years can use a bit more toothpaste – think a pea-sized amount. Stick with the twice a day routine and continue to supervise them to make certain they are following healthy brushing habits. It is generally recommended that, once your child has two teeth that touch, that they being flossing daily.
And remember, along with brushing, it’s important to give your child healthy, low-sugar food and drinks to help keep decay at bay and schedule regular dental check-ups.
Instilling good dental habits from the start helps to make them a habit that your child continues throughout their life.
Note: Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified dental and medical health providers with questions you may have regarding your specific dental or medical conditions.