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July 5, 2021When Should A Child Start Brushing Their Teeth?
When Should A Child Start Brushing Their Teeth? The “apple of your eye” is never too young to start getting excited about the tooth fairy. Even before a child’s teeth come in, mouth care is always essential.
It’s a good idea to run a gentle, clean, damp cloth along the gums to eliminate bacteria. You can do this before the first tooth breaks through, as well as throughout teething.
When Should A Child Start Brushing Their Teeth? – When Should They Start?
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Teeth brushing should begin for children as soon as their teeth start coming in.
Parents will need to help out with the actual brushing until the child has sufficiently developed fine motor control skills. But don’t wait to start with the dental upkeep.
Teach and help your young one right from the get-go. Flossing should begin when the child has at least two little teeth touching.
How Long Until Kids Can Handle Brushing Teeth On Their Own?
A majority of children will be ready to handle their own daily teeth routine around age 7 or 8.
In the meantime, there are many ways to make it enjoyable for both of you. Try to keep the experiences as fun, lighthearted, and positive as possible. Your enthusiasm will ensure they develop lifelong healthy teeth and gum habits.
After all, very few things are as influential to the entire body’s overall health as oral hygiene.
How Often Do Kids Need To Clean Their Teeth?
Ideally, kids should be brushing in the morning, after every meal, and before bedtime. However, that may be a lot for both of you- especially if your kiddo is resistant to the process. So at the very least, make sure they are always brushing their teeth before they go to sleep.
What about teeth flossing? Once a day is just fine. So add it to whatever time of day is easiest for you. But whatever time you choose, flossing is best done before teeth brushing.
How Long Should Kids Brush Their Teeth?
Two minutes, like everyone else.
10 Tips: Brushing Up on Brushing Teeth
- Use a soft-bristled, infant-sized toothbrush.
- Make sure they have a fun toothbrush design.
- Use tasty, kid-friendly toothpaste that has fluoride in it. Always rinse it under a little water to dilute it and encourage as little straight-up swallowing as possible. Then have them gargle with water afterward, if they are patient enough to do so.
- Only a tiny amount of toothpaste is needed. Start with the size of a grain of rice.
- By age two, they should be spitting after every brushing. You want to encourage them to swallow as little of the toothpaste as possible.
- When they turn three you can graduate to a toothpaste amount the size of a pea.
- Once they are old enough to be handling the toothpaste bottle themselves, a regular adult amount is good.
- Talk them through what you’re doing while you’re doing it. The more little ones understand, the more empowered they will be to take responsibility for their teeth.
- Don’t forget the tongue and the roof of the mouth.
- When it gets hard, fake it til you make it. Keep smiling through. It’s worth it to give your sweet, tiny monster good habits.
10 Techniques: Teaching Kids To Enjoy Brushing Teeth
- Youtube has some amazing toothbrushing songs, to both teach and keep them going for the full two minutes. Show them videos of other kids brushing their teeth to help make it normal and approachable.
- Set an egg timer on the bathroom counter so they can watch how long they have to brush for. Or get a cool tooth brushing app on your phone. There are animal ones, playlists you can program, there is even a wonderful Disney option.
- A kid’s electric toothbrush might be a good option. It has a timer built-in and the shaking motion is fun for many youngsters.
- Have them practice on their stuffed animals and toys.
- Make some fake teeth with them (a clean, upside-down yogurt container works well) and try out your brushing technique.
- Demonstrate everything you’re asking them to do on yourself.
- If they’re the independent type, let them hold on to the toothbrush with you or take turns.
- Make a game out of it.
- Have a sticker chart or other positive reinforcement plan to reward them for regular teeth brushing.
- Read them bedtime stories about the tooth fairy.
When Should A Child Start Brushing Their Teeth? – When Is A Child Ready To Brush Their Teeth Themselves?
Everyone develops differently. Check with your pediatrician or dentist with any questions or problems, but otherwise, the kid will let you know. Trust your instincts.
As the song says, you’re never fully dressed without a smile. If that’s true, then give your little loved one every chance to be healthy, happy, and fully dressed. Have fun helping them develop great teeth brushing habits as early as possible!
