A child’s smile is a beautiful thing, and as parents, we want to do everything we can to keep those pearly whites healthy and strong. But when it comes to oral hygiene, many parents wonder: when should children start brushing their teeth?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that parents start cleaning their child’s gums even before the first tooth erupts. This can be done with a soft, damp washcloth after feeding. According to the leading pediatric dentistry specialists in Tacoma, Graham, Puyallup, and nearby locations, it’s time to introduce a soft-bristled kids’ toothbrush once the first tooth appears. In this blog post by Meridian South Family Dentistry, we’ll share a breakdown of how to establish a good oral hygiene routine for your child at different stages of development so you can ensure their teeth stay healthy and strong from the very beginning.
The Importance of Early Brushing (Age 0-3)
Although your child does not brush their teeth independently yet, this is a very critical period to set the foundation for good oral health habits. Here is what you can do:
- After feedings, gently massage your child’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth to remove milk residue and prevent bacterial buildup.
- Top pediatric dentistry specialists in Puyallup suggest allowing them to chew on safe teething toys, which will soothe the discomfort of teething and promote healthy jaw development.
- Take your child for his first dental visit by his first birthday. This will allow the dentist to examine your child’s mouth for any possible problems and give you some guidance about looking after his teeth.
Encouraging Independence (Age 2-3)
By age 2, your toddler will start showing interest in brushing their teeth. This is a very good time to encourage their involvement in the dental care routine, although, at this age, they are not performing the task themselves. Here are some tips:
- Leading pediatric dentistry experts in Puyallup recommend choosing a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles. The toothbrush should be small enough for your child’s mouth and have a comfortable grip.
- Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens the enamel of the teeth and prevents cavities. However, young children tend to swallow more toothpaste than they spit out, so this amount is plenty.
- Another important tip for instilling this habit in your child is brushing your teeth alongside your child. Let them see how you brush your teeth and simply explain each step of the process.
- Make it fun! You can sing songs and use timers or stickers during brushing time.
Developing Brushing Skills (Age 4-7)
By the time they’re four years old, your child will actually start to develop the motor skills necessary to clean their teeth more effectively. Here’s how you can help your child create a better brushing technique:
- Continue brushing your teeth with your child. This will help them learn proper brushing techniques and ensure they clean all surfaces of their teeth.
- Top children’s oral hygiene experts in Graham reveal that gentle brushing is the best method, as vigorous scrubbing can hurt your child’s gums and tooth enamel.
- Focus on brushing the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
- Gradually increase the brushing time to two minutes.
The Transition to Independent Brushing (Age 8+)
According to the leading dentistry firms in Puyallup, by about age 8, most children can brush their teeth independently. But it’s still important to supervise them and ensure they’re doing a thorough job. Here are some tips:
- Continue to monitor your child’s brushing technique. Give guidance and feedback as needed, as it helps develop brushing skills in children.
- Almost every dentist in Tacoma, Graham, and surrounding areas believes that parents must encourage their children to floss once a day. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth, where brushing can’t reach.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. Professional cleanings will eliminate plaque and tartar buildup, a leading cause of cavities and gum disease.
Expert Tips for Parents
Building a strong foundation of oral hygiene habits requires consistency and positive reinforcement. Here are some additional tips:
1. Brushing with your child
Top pediatric dentists in Graham recommend brushing your teeth alongside your child, making it a fun and interactive experience.
2. Making it fun
Run a two-minute song while they brush, or use a reward chart and celebrate milestones.
3. Using positive reinforcement
Focus on praising their effort and progress rather than criticizing their technique.
4. Regular dental visits
Schedule regular checkups starting around age one or within six months of their first tooth erupting. This will not only provide professional dental care but also help your child become comfortable with the dentist’s office, setting the stage for their future positive dental experiences throughout life.
Follow these expert tips and guide your children toward developing strong, healthy oral hygiene habits that will serve them throughout their lifetime.
Building a Team for Your Child’s Oral Health
At Meridian South Family Dentistry, we realize the need to develop a strong partnership with the parents so that your child’s oral health can flourish. From our experienced pediatric dentists in Tacoma, Puyallup, Graham, and nearby locations, our staff is committed to making children of all ages feel at ease in our friendly and comfortable atmosphere. This children’s dentistry integrates numerous services, including:
1. Infant oral health consultations
At Meridian South Family Dentistry, we always recommend an appointment for your child by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. These early visits let us address any possible concerns and build trust with your child.
2. Regular cleanings and checkups
Professional cleanings help eliminate plaque and tartar buildup that brushing alone can’t get. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your child’s oral development and catch any problems early.
3. Fluoride treatments
Fluoride strengthens tooth development and prevents cavities. We apply topical fluoride treatments in the office to protect your child against tooth decay.
4. Dental sealants
According to the top pediatric dentistry specialists in Tacoma, sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They substantially reduce the risk of cavities and are especially used on children with deep grooves or pits in their teeth.
Final Takeaway
By establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine from infancy and providing your child with the proper tools and guidance, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Keep in mind that every child is different, so modify these tips based on your child’s individual needs and preferences.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral health, never hesitate to contact a reputed pediatric dentist near you. Our team at Meridian South Family Dentistry provides the best dental care for children of all ages through routine dental checkups, cleanings, and preventative treatments. Our skilled dentists can give individually customized advice and support on keeping your children at peak oral health and hygiene.
At Meridian South Family Dentistry, we believe in the power of a healthy smile and work hard to ensure we give the best quality of care in a kind, compassionate environment. We create positive experiences at the dentist for children so they feel comfortable and confident when visiting for an appointment. Our office commits to using the latest developments in pediatric dentistry to give the best possible care to your child’s developing teeth.
Our services include routine checkups and cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and infant oral health consultations to cover all aspects of your child’s dental health. We also work hard to educate parents and children about good oral hygiene practices and preventive care.
We value your trust in us and strive to build lasting relationships with our patients and their families. Our practice philosophy is to create a positive experience at each and every visit. This will lay the foundation for a lifetime of good dental health. Our pediatric dentistry specialists invite you to schedule an appointment at our convenient locations in Puyallup, Graham, Tacoma, and surrounding areas to experience the Meridian South Family Dentistry difference. Together, we can help your child achieve and maintain a bright, healthy smile for years to come.
Contact us at 253 847-4388 to schedule an appointment with our team today.
