Although your child may not have any teeth for a few months after they’re born, setting them up for a lifetime of excellent oral health begins at birth. In fact, it is important for parents to set a firm foundation for their child’s smile as early as possible. Here’s a closer look at when and how you should begin caring for your baby’s teeth and gums, and why, when it comes to giving them the tools for a gorgeous, glowing grin that lasts a lifetime, the future is now!
Birth to 6+ Months
While most children aren’t born with any teeth, it won’t be long before tooth buds start to appear, typically between the ages of six to ten months. Although they may not have anything in their mouth that requires brushing just yet, it’s important to start getting your child used to the feeling of having their teeth cared for. You can do this by regularly swabbing their gums with a soft fingertip brush or damp washcloth after each feeding. This not only familiarizes them with the concept of cleaning their mouth, but it also helps them to feel comfortable with your fingers (and eventually, a toothbrush) helping achieve this.
Teething to Toddlerhood
Once your child’s first tooth has erupted, it is important to upgrade their oral hygiene routine, too. Instead of using your fingertip to clean their teeth, it’s time to introduce a small, soft-bristled baby toothbrush. If your baby is still not comfortable with using a foreign instrument, you can continue using a cloth but be sure to attempt the brush every so often until they’re ready to accept it.
Now is also a great time to start using baby toothpaste to help clear away debris and plaque. For the time being, they can use a training toothpaste that doesn’t contain fluoride, but once a few more teeth show up, you can upgrade to fluoridated children’s toothpaste. At first, your dentist recommends using just a tiny smear of paste, but by age three they should increase to a pea-sized amount.
Ages Three to Six
Once your child turns three, you can begin using more toothpaste, as they should have a full set of baby teeth by now. Although these will eventually all fall out when their permanent teeth come in, it is important to keep them looking and feeling their best, as they serve an important role. You see, while many people think primary teeth simply don’t matter because they’re temporary, the truth is they act as placeholders for the adult teeth, so they come in on schedule and do not cause any crowding or alignment problems.
Age Seven and Beyond
Once your child reaches age six or so, they should be able to begin brushing their teeth on their own. While it’s still important that you supervise them to ensure they’re doing it correctly, they should now have the dexterity to access those harder to reach spots themselves. In fact, in a few more years, you can even let them handle their entire oral health routine without regular observation!
Important Reminders
In addition to helping your child brush and floss as they grow, it is important to model good examples for them. Let them see you care for your own smile by joining you while you care for your own smile, so they not only normalize these steps, but also learn proper techniques.
Furthermore, it’s very important that they begin visiting the dentist every six months for their preventive checkups and cleanings at around one year of age, or as soon as their first tooth erupts. Though there won’t be much for their dentist to clean at this stage, establishing this routine will help make your child comfortable visiting the dentist, having someone clean their mouth with tools, and for your dental team to get to know your child and monitor their oral growth and development to prevent any future problems.
Remember, a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles begins as soon as your child is born. So, don’t hesitate to get started cleaning their mouth and preparing their gums and emerging teeth to be properly protected as they grow.
About Our Practice
At Upper Dublin Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Denner and Dr. Gardner want to ensure your child has a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Don’t delay starting an excellent oral health routine for your baby. Routine brushing, flossing, and preventive dental exams are the best way to protect their teeth and gums and ensure they understand the importance of self-care as they grow. To schedule your baby’s first dental exam, visit our website or call us today at 267-481-7707.