How to Brush Children's Teeth

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Brush Baby Teeth | When to start brushing baby teeth | How to brush baby teeth | Brush children's teeth | Children dentist | First dental visit | Children's dentist Richmond BC | Richmond Dentist | Richmond Children's Dentist

"When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?"

You should clean your baby's mouth even before your child has teeth. Use a clean damp washcloth to wipe your baby's gums daily. This routine gets you and your baby into the habit of keeping the mouth clean, and it gives baby teeth a clean place to come into.

As soon as the first tooth emerges, parents should start brushing their children's teeth.

"How to brush my child's teeth?"

This position is very effective in brushing your children's teeth

This position is very effective in brushing your children's teeth

  • Lie your baby in a comfortable place

  • Make sure you can see into your baby's mouth

  • Use a soft baby toothbrush

  • Apply a small amount (the size of a grain of rice) of fluoridated toothpaste on the toothbrush. 

  • Brush your baby's teeth. Make sure you clean all the surfaces of their teeth. 

  • If your baby is too young to spit out toothpaste, use a clean damp washcloth to wipe off the toothpaste.

  • Floss between teeth as soon as two teeth touch together. Floss sticks may be easier to use on children.

  • Brush your child's teeth twice a day: in the morning and just before bed. Floss once a day.

"When can kids brush their own teeth?"

Children lack the coordination and dexterity to brush their teeth properly until about the age of eight. Remember if you child cannot write his or her name they cannot clean their teeth effectively. 

Children under 3 years of age should have their teeth brushed by an adult.

Children from 3 to 8 years of age should be assisted by an adult in brushing their teeth. If your child wants to brush his or her own teeth, you can let them brush first and then you can brush their teeth again after to make sure they are clean.

"When should my child start seeing the dentist?"

The Canadian Dental Association recommends the assessment of infants, by a dentist, within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age. The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem with his or her teeth. In most cases, a dental exam every six months will let your child's dentist catch small problems early.