Kids need to be brushing their teeth, just like adults do.
Small children may only have \”baby teeth\” but that doesn\’t mean parents shouldn\’t be taking care of their teeth or teaching them to practice good brushing habits.
If you get your kids started taking care of their oral health early, and you can set up a lifetime of good habits and save them from problems years from now.
In this post, we\’ll answer some of the most common questions about children\’s teeth.
- When should kids start brushing?
- When should kids begin flossing?
- When should I schedule my first dental visit?
Start taking care of your children\’s teeth right away.
Children\’s teeth are at risk for tooth decay as soon as they are visible in your child\’s mouth. Tooth decay in babies is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. This occurs most frequently in the top front teeth of your child. In some cases, it can become bad enough that the teeth even have to be removed.
You can even take care of children\’s health before their teeth appear by running a clean, damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria.
When should kids start brushing their teeth?
Start brushing teeth as soon as your children\’s teeth appear! When your baby gets their teeth, carefully brush them with an infant toothbrush as part of their morning and evening routine.
Your child may not be able to spit during teeth brushing until age two. Up until that point, use only the smallest amount of toothpaste, just a tiny dab. Make sure the brand is approved by the American Dental Association.
View the full list of ADA approved toothpastes
When should my child begin flossing their teeth?
As soon as your baby\’s teeth touch, you can begin flossing in between them.
Parents will need to floss for children for the first few months and perhaps years. As soon as your child has the dexterity, they will be able to do this themselves.
When should I schedule my child\’s first visit to the dentist?
As a general rule, children should make a trip to the dentist six months after their first teeth have appeared.
By taking your child to the dentist when they\’re young you can help prevent tooth decay.
We hope we have helped to answer some of your questions. You can always call us with your questions if they are not answered here. David Wilhite specializes in pediatric dentistry and children\’s dental health.
Call us today! (972) 964-3774
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Image credit: Leo Health
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