If you’re the parent or guardian of an infant, you know that a huge part of your role is keeping them safe, happy, and whole. Were you aware, however, that their overall well-being can be impacted by their dental condition even before their teeth show up? It’s important to keep their mouths clean even before that happens for them to be able to grow healthy teeth. If you’re not sure what’s involved in proper preventative dental care for smaller kids, keep reading to learn more about it!
When Should I Start Cleaning My Child’s Mouth?
You can start cleaning your infant’s mouth as early as day one because their gums play an essential role in their oral well-being. Without them, there would be no foundation to hold their teeth in place. Keeping your little one’s gums clean is essential to prevent dental problems before they have a chance to develop. You should regularly cleanse their gums twice daily by:
- Moisten a clean washcloth or piece of gauze.
- Gently wipe their gums to remove germs and any residue from breastfeeding or bottles.
- Be sure to clean their mouth after feedings and before bedtime.
When Should I Start Brushing My Child’s Teeth?
Typically, your kid’s first tooth appears when they’re about 1 year old. Once it’s grown in, you can graduate to using a toothbrush and warm water to gently scrub it clean morning and evening. You should avoid using toothpaste until they’re about 2 years old so there’s less risk of them accidentally ingesting it. Then, you should use a fluoride toothpaste made for children and apply a small amount (the size of a grain of rice) to a soft-bristled toothbrush. If they consume too much, they could develop an upset stomach. In this case, the National Capital Poison Center recommends giving them dairy which can bind with the fluoride in their stomach.
What If My Child Refuses to Brush Their Teeth?
Many kids resist brushing their teeth, but you can encourage them to build dental hygiene habits early on by:
- Singing a song. Experts recommend that your little one brushes their teeth for a full two minutes. If your child struggles with the timing, try singing a few verses of their favorite song to help get them through it.
- Get a motorized toothbrush. There are plenty of electronic brushes geared towards smaller mouths that feature fun colors and characters that they’ll enjoy.
- Reward consistency. Set up a chart or calendar and use stickers or other visual aids to mark every day they successfully brush their teeth, for example.
Now that you know how to maintain your child’s oral health from day one, you can give them a head start toward growing happy, healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Meghan Thorburn offers a full range of services to meet the dental needs of still-developing smiles. She studied at Baylor University before completing dental school and her residency at UT Houston. Now, she has nearly a decade of experience helping children and their families protect and preserve their teeth so that as they get older, they’ll already know how to take care of them. She and her dedicated team try to make each appointment fun and educational so you can look forward to your visit. If you have an infant at home and would like to schedule their first appointment, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling (682) 327-1133.