by Aliyeus J

Created on: February 14, 2011

Oral hygiene should be practiced as a regular part of every child’s daily routine. When the child is an infant or toddler, teeth, or even a single tooth, should be brushed and cared for by the parent. With as little as one or two teeth present, mom or dad may take a soft cloth around the finger, to gently brush the little one’s new chops. Using toothpaste is not necessarily recommended, and the parent may simply use water. In fact, plain water may be used until a child has learned not to swallow toothpaste. Fluoride is helpful for the teeth, but too much fluoride, not so much.

Switching to a toothbrush should ensue once baby has managed 3-4 teeth, although some dentists will recommend waiting to use a brush, until the child is 2-3 years of age.

And just as important for the infant or toddler will be flossing of the teeth. As soon as two teeth emerge next to each other, mom or dad needs to carefully floss between the child’s teeth once a day. To do this, the child should be sat in front of the parent. Assistance may be acquired to keep the young one still, if necessary. The parent should take caution with the flossing rope, as to keep it from cutting into sensitive gums.

When the time comes to use a toothbrush for your child, choose one that is appropriate for the child’s age. Some toothbrushes are sold specifically for children, and are marked with different age groups. Four to twenty-four months is the general starting point for an age-group, and toothbrush packaging will have specific age recommendations on the labeling.

Babies need to be scheduled for their first dental appointment around the time of their first birthday. Pediatricians often weigh in, and help in deciding exactly when to make that first appointment. The dentist will also want to see the child every six months following their initial appointment.  

At two years of age, the parent should help the child brush with a pea-sized amount of fluoride tooth paste applied to the brush. Remember, if the child has a habit of swallowing toothpaste, water may be used. Brushing should take place for at least two minutes, though often times, at this age, it will take longer due to the need for the parent’s assistance. It will also be a while before the child can brush on their own, as children lack the coordination to brush and floss alone, until about the age of 6 or 7. In the meantime, parents should be an example themselves, letting children see how they brush each day.

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