Oral health is important even before the first tooth erupts. When your child is an infant, gently clean their gums with a warm washcloth after they have a bottle or baby food. As your child gets older, they may want to mimic you and grab for the toothbrush. While it is fine to let them practice, be sure to follow-up and properly clean their teeth for them. You should help your child brush their teeth until they are coordinated enough to tie their own shoe, this is usually around 6 years old.
The amount of toothpaste you use is also important. For a toddler, use only a small amount. About the size of a grain of rice. For slightly older children, toothpaste should be the size of a pea.
Even after your child is old enough to brush their teeth on their own, be sure to continue monitoring them. Make sure they brush for the full 2 minutes. Children may also need help flossing their teeth. If the long strings of floss seem to be too difficult for them to maneuver, opt for an alternative, such as a flossing pick.
