Children’s Dental Health Month

Did you know that children should start brushing their teeth as soon as their first tooth appears? Typically, this happens around six months of age. It’s essential to begin brushing early to establish a good dental routine and ensure those first teeth stay healthy.

Tooth brushing tips for Babies and Toddlers

When your baby’s first tooth appears, start with a small, soft toothbrush and a tiny smear of toothpaste, particularly for babies and toddlers up to three years old. Brush gently in small circles, making sure to cover all surfaces of the teeth. Encourage your little one to spit the toothpaste out after brushing, but there’s no need to rinse with water – rinsing could wash away the fluoride that helps protect their teeth.

It’s common for children to resist having their teeth brushed, especially when it’s a new experience for them. Make brushing fun by turning it into a game or singing a catchy song. This can help distract them and make the process less stressful.

Looking After Your Child’s Teeth (Aged 3-6)

It is recommended that you use only a pea sized amount of toothpaste and brush for 2 minutes, once in the morning and once in the evening before bed.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is the best way to go. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps protect the teeth from decay. Not all children will enjoy the minty flavour toothpaste sometimes has, try and look for kid-friendly flavours, such as strawberry flavoured. Mild-flavoured toothpastes can help your child enjoy the experience of brushing their teeth and also make it easier for you and your child to want to brush their teeth. You can find more tips on selecting the best toothpaste for kids online, such as in this helpful guide.

Starting early with regular tooth brushing will set your child on the path to a lifetime of good oral hygiene. Most children will still need help brushing until they’re around seven years old. As they approach this age, you can let them practice brushing in small circles and then give their teeth a quick check and touch-up to ensure every tooth is clean.