How should I brush my little one’s teeth?

It is very important that from the moment that your little one’s teeth start to come in you help them take care of them. Establishing an oral hygiene routine from the time your little one’s teeth start to erupt will save you a lot of headaches in the future and help your little one learn good oral health habits.

When your little one’s teeth begin to erupt, it is key that you brush them at least twice a day and particularly before bedtime. To do this you will need:

• Toothpaste with fluoride so your little one does not get cavities. The amount of toothpaste you should use when your little one is between 6 months and 2 years old is very small. You don’t need to cover the entire toothbrush.
• A small toothbrush with soft bristles. Make sure the brush is for children so that it doesn’t hurt your little one. If your little one is under 1 year old, you can use a silicone thimble to clean your baby’s teeth and gums.
• Remember that you or another adult should be the one brushing your little one’s teeth to ensure that he or she one does not get hurt. When you feel that your little one is ready, allow him or her to take the toothbrush and play with it. You can even pretend that your little one is brushing your teeth so that they will have the confidence to brush their own teeth without any help in the future.

Once your little one is ready to brush without help, praise them each time they brush their teeth and encourage them to enjoy it. This will help your little one maintain a proper oral hygiene routine throughout their life.

Have your little one see their dentist once a year to ensure that their teeth are healthy or in case you have any additional questions.