As a parent, prioritizing dental hygiene at an early age is a great way to help your little one establish healthy oral care habits and enjoy a beautiful smile through every life stage. When children start to develop their first teeth, it’s common for parents to reach out to pediatric dentists for recommendations on brushing. Here’s some helpful information to review, so your child is less likely to develop cavities or gum disease. 

When Should Parents Start Brushing a Child’s Teeth?

As soon as your baby gets their first tooth, you can start brushing using an infant-specific toothbrush. Many pediatric dentists also recommend wiping an infant’s gums before they have teeth with a soft, damp cloth or a silicon finger brush after meals to eliminate harmful mouth bacteria. 

As the first teeth start to erupt, use a finger brush or damp washcloth to wipe the tooth and the tongue. When your baby becomes accustomed to this process and several teeth start to erupt, you can transition to a soft-bristle infant’s toothbrush and a tiny dab of fluoride toothpaste. 

During your child’s toddler phase, continue to make brushing a priority and a fun, family activity. Set a timer or play a song for two minutes, so they grow accustomed to brushing for that time frame. Allow them to start holding their own toothbrush and applying a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Observe their technique each morning and evening, and remind them to rinse and spit out excess toothpaste. 

When Should Children Visit a Pediatric Dentist?

As with brushing, a child is ready to see the pediatric dentist for a checkup around their first birthday or when they get their first tooth. This initial appointment will focus primarily on observing dental hygiene and development. These early visits are also a great opportunity to ask questions and learn new techniques to make the brushing process simpler and more effective for your child. 

If you’re looking for a dedicated family dentist to treat your child, William U. Britton, DDS, MAGD, can help. With two convenient locations in southern Ohio and over 35 years of experience in the field, this dental hygiene expert uses a gentle touch and cutting-edge equipment to help even the most nervous patients achieve beautiful smiles. Call (740) 772-2225 in Chillicothe or (740) 286-3033 in Jackson to schedule an appointment. For more information on what to expect during a dental hygiene visit, explore this clinic online.