Many parents admit to be slack about brushing their child’s teeth when they’re very young, but the truth is that it’s an important habit to start early.
Long before your baby has any teeth at all, you should be caring for their smile by wiping their gums with a damp washcloth after feedings.
Once your child has their very first tooth, start gently brushing it twice a day with a child-sized, rounded-head kids’ toothbrush with soft bristles. Or you can buy a “parents’ toothbrush,” which has a longer handle that’s easier for you to hold.
Don’t forget to use toothpaste! You just need a tiny pea-sized amount, and children under two should use a specially-formulated kind designed for them (that doesn’t include fluoride).
As your child develops into a toddler and then a preschooler, the needs of their teeth will change, so always check the packaging of their toothbrushes for age recommendations.
Don’t forget to replace your child’s toothbrush every three months, or after they recover from a cold or flu — and that advice goes for you, too, Mom and Dad!
To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush for your child, talk to us today.