Excellent oral health and routine dental care are best learned early. People who develop proper teeth and gum habits at a young age are more likely to continue them into adulthood and experience fewer cavities and other issues. But when and how should you teach kids to brush their teeth? Lisa Valderueda, D.M.D., a family dentist in Waipahu, HI, recommends beginning dental care as early as infancy.

A Family Dentist Explains When & How to Teach Children to Brush Their Teeth

Start Oral Care Right Away

You can begin your child’s oral health care even before they can hold up their head. Whether you are nursing or using a bottle, follow every feeding with a gentle swabbing of the inside of the baby’s mouth with a warm, moist washcloth. Gently wipe their tongue, gums, and the insides of their cheeks to eliminate bacteria that may have collected there.

Introduce Their First Toothbrush With Their First Tooth

After your child cuts their first tooth, begin brushing with an infant toothbrush. These brushes have soft bristles and should not hurt your baby’s mouth. If your family dentist thinks your child is at risk of cavities, they might recommend using a fluoride toothpaste. Otherwise, just wet the bristles of the toothbrush and use it to gently scrub their teeth and gums.

Supervise Toddlers as They Learn to Brush

Once your child is 2 years old, you can let them use a fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth. Place a pea-sized amount on the toothbrush and observe your child as they brush in the morning and evening. While you should guide your child to ensure they use the toothbrush correctly and don’t swallow the toothpaste, encourage them to brush on their own.

Let Older Children Take Charge

Once a child is 6–8 years old, they should have the hand control and experience to brush on their own. You should do a spot check after each brushing to ensure they are doing a thorough job, but children in this age group will have a good enough foundation to handle their dental care.

If you need a family dentist to provide excellent care for you and your children, call Lisa Valderueda D.M.D. at (808) 676-5711 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about the services offered by this Waipahu, HI, clinic, including teeth whitening and dental veneers, visit their website. Like them on Facebook to receive tips and updates from their family dental care professionals.