{"id":274,"date":"2022-11-28T23:00:44","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T23:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clearcoastdental.com\/blog\/?p=274"},"modified":"2022-11-28T23:02:03","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T23:02:03","slug":"childrens-oral-health-and-when-to-start-brushing-their-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clearcoastdental.com\/blog\/2022\/11\/28\/childrens-oral-health-and-when-to-start-brushing-their-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Child\u2019s Oral Health: The Basics of Brushing Their Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Your little one\u2019s health is so important to you. You want to be sure they grow up to be as healthy and strong as possible. This includes their oral health! From a newborn with just gums to toddlers and their developing teeth, your child\u2019s dental care has various stages. Here\u2019s all to know about when to start brushing their pearly whites and tips on the best dental care for your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

When to Begin Brushing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The old adage \u201cIt\u2019s never too early to start\u201d applies to your child\u2019s dental well-being. Although your little one\u2019s first tooth most likely won\u2019t appear until they are between 6 and 12 months of age, you can start taking care of their mouth as early as a few days after their birth. Begin by using a damp washcloth or clean gauze to gently wipe your infant\u2019s gums after feedings. This will wash away any bad bacteria that could form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Once those first few teeth begin to develop, you\u2019ll want to use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) twice a day to keep them clean. As they get older, switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush will ensure a more thorough clean throughout their mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once your child becomes capable of brushing their own teeth, you\u2019ll need to observe and help them reach the areas of their mouth that are difficult to brush (i.e. premolars and molars. It\u2019s also important that they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste, so you\u2019ll likely want to help them get started with their oral hygiene routine every morning and night until they are a bit older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Brush Your Child\u2019s Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The process of brushing a child\u2019s teeth is not very different from your own, but you will want to be mindful to not apply too much pressure. Here are some best tips to ensure your child\u2019s teeth are thoroughly and gently cleaned:<\/p>\n\n\n\n