Maintaining a healthy smile is a lifelong habit, and it starts much earlier than you might think! As a parent, you might wonder: “When exactly should I start brushing my child’s teeth?” The answer is: right from the start!
Here is your essential guide to kick-starting your child’s oral hygiene journey, from their first days to their first “big kid” brush.
The Oral Hygiene Start Guide: By Age
Oral health begins even before that first tiny tooth erupts. Here’s a simple timeline to follow:
0-6 Months (Before Teeth Appear)
The goal during this stage is to clean the gums and remove harmful bacteria.
- Action: Use a soft, damp cloth or a silicone finger brush to gently wipe your baby’s gums after every feeding.
- Why? This clears the bacteria, gets your baby used to having their mouth cleaned, and sets the stage for future brushing.
6 Months – 1 Year (The First Tooth Erupts!)
As soon as you see that first tooth pop up, it’s time to start real brushing!
- Action: Brush twice a day.
- Tools: Use a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Amount: Only a smear or rice grain amount of toothpaste is needed.
- Crucial Rule: Always supervise brushing at this age.
2-6 Years
By this age, your child is learning coordination, but they still need your help!
- Action: Continue supervising brushing and teach your child to spit out the toothpaste (not swallow it).
- Amount: Increase the fluoride toothpaste to a pea-sized amount.
Why Start Early
Starting an oral hygiene routine so young does more than just clean teeth; it builds a foundation for long-term health:
- Prevents Early Childhood Cavities (ECC): These are painful and preventable. Brushing is the best defense.
- Builds Healthy Habits: Routine matters! Starting early makes brushing a normal, expected part of the day.
- Keeps Future Teeth Healthy: Healthy baby teeth hold the space needed for permanent teeth to come in correctly.
3 Tips for Teaching Kids to Brush
Making brushing fun is the secret to success! Try these three simple techniques:
- Keep a Family Schedule: Brush together! Kids love to copy their parents. Schedule family brushing time morning and night, and they’ll learn by watching you.
- Talk Them Through It: Turn brushing into a game. Tell them when to brush the “big back teeth” and the “little front teeth.” Remind them that gentle, short circular motions work best.
- Let Them Pick Their Gear: A new toothbrush is a great motivator. Let your children select a soft-bristle toothbrush featuring their favorite character.
The MOI Brushing Technique
This simple acronym is a great way to remember how to properly clean all surfaces of the tooth:
- M = Masticatory surfaces (The tops/chewing parts)
- Brush with small horizontal movements.
- Start at the very back and slowly move forward.
- O = Outer surfaces (The side you see when they smile)
- Clean them with small circular movements.
- I = Inner surfaces (The side against the tongue)
- Use small up & down movements.
It’s time to get brushing! Remember: “Let’s shine with a bright smile!”
