Dental hygiene in children is a topic that often worries parents. When to start brushing and whether it’s important to thoroughly clean baby teeth are two of the most common questions.
When to Start Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth
You should start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear. At first, it’s best to clean them using a piece of gauze wrapped around your index finger. Gently rub over all the teeth and gums. You can use lukewarm water or chamomile tea for this.
Nighttime Cleaning – A Crucial Step in Preventing Cavities
Make sure to clean your baby’s teeth every night before bedtime, and as needed during the day. Avoid putting your baby to sleep with sweetened drinks after brushing, as sugar can remain on the teeth all night and cause early decay of baby teeth.
Why It’s Important to Brush Baby Teeth
Baby teeth should be brushed, even though permanent ones will eventually replace them. First, brushing helps children develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Second, cavities and nerve inflammation in baby teeth can be painful and serious. Affected teeth must be treated so they remain in place until the permanent teeth are ready to emerge. This period can last several years, during which baby teeth hold space for proper alignment of adult teeth. Premature extraction can disrupt this process.
What to Use for Cleaning Children’s Teeth
Once all baby teeth have erupted, you can start using a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for children. Let your child choose a toothbrush they like, as this may motivate them to brush regularly. The same goes for choosing toothpaste. Begin using toothpaste once your child understands that it should be spit out, not swallowed. For children under 3, use a smear the size of a grain of rice; for ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount.
How Often Should Kids Brush Their Teeth?
Oral hygiene should be a consistent routine. Teach your child to brush their teeth every morning and evening, for 2 minutes each time. The easiest way to do this is by playing their favorite 2-minute song or video while brushing, so they learn how long it should take.
Which Brushing Technique Works Best for Children?
The easiest way to explain brushing technique to children is by comparing it to how rain falls and how grass grows. For upper teeth, brush from top to bottom; for lower teeth, the opposite. Don’t forget to clean both the outer and inner surfaces of all teeth. In the beginning, you’ll need to brush your child’s teeth for them, until they learn the movements. Later on, supervise them to ensure all surfaces are cleaned properly.
Be a Role Model for Your Child
When your child sees you brushing your teeth twice a day for the same amount of time, they’ll follow your lead. Make it a daily routine, even during vacations. Children need stability in habits. Also, let them see you brushing both front and back teeth—and your tongue.
Reward Your Child
After brushing, check if your child has done a good job and be sure to praise them. If your child needs extra motivation, you can introduce a reward system—such as watching a favorite cartoon before bed or receiving a small gift at the end of the month for consistent dental care over the past 30 days.
