Establishing a good oral hygiene routine for your child is important. The earlier you can do so, the better the results will be. However, many parents aren’t sure when to begin administering oral care – or when to take their child to see a dentist.

Here are some tips for helping you navigate the world of providing oral care to your young children – and doing it properly:

Start Early

While you cannot see your baby’s teeth hidden beneath their gums. They are actually born with all of their teeth just waiting to break through the surface. This isn’t likely to begin happening until around six months of age or later – the time at which you should see your child’s dentist for the first time – but you can begin good oral care from birth.

Some tips for infant oral care include:

  • Wipe your child’s gums gently with a soft, clean cloth after each feeding to prevent bacterial build-up.
  • Once teeth emerge, brush them gently with a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste – an amount no larger than a grain of rice. Any more is not appropriate for a very young baby.
  • Do not allow a baby to play with their bottle. Once feeding stops, take the bottle away from the baby to prevent formula lingering on the gums and causing bacterial build-up.

Continuing Good Oral Care for Your Child

Oral hygiene is even more important as your child grows and more of their teeth become visible. To keep your kids’ teeth and gum healthy, use the following tips:

  • Monitor your child’s brushing even after they are capable of brushing their own teeth. Make sure they spit out the toothpaste after use.
  • Time your child’s brushing and ensure they are brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day.
  • Begin flossing no later than when two teeth are touching.
  • Assist your child with their oral care as needed. Remember, young children may not be able to provide their own personal care for several years.
  • Make and keep dental appointments every six months.

For more information on the provision of child and infant care – including oral hygiene and more – consult the Phoenix pediatricians at Pediatrix. They can help you determine what to do and when, as well as when to see your child’s dentist for the first time.