Your child is just acquiring his or toothy grin, and you wonder how you should be caring for those tiny teeth.  Here are some tips for helping to keep your child’s teeth healthy today and into adulthood.

The American Dental Association recommends that parents should begin gently brushing their child’s teeth with a soft, baby-sized toothbrush at the appearance of the very first tooth.  It is not recommended that children use toothpaste until they are old enough to be trained not to swallow it.  The first trip to the dentist’s office may occur at roughly the same time, and no later than the child’s third birthday.

According to the ADA, children should be encouraged to begin brushing their own teeth (with supervision and perhaps a helping hand) between the ages of two and three.  The best way to ensure your child takes good care of his or her teeth is to make brushing time fun.  While many dentists frown on the use of marketing to boost the sales of unnecessary dental care products for adults, most agree that any gimmick that gets your child brushing or flossing is well worth the investment.  Toothpaste flavored to taste like bubblegum or other treats, colorful and flavorful dental floss, and cartoon character toothbrushes are all great ways to help motivate your child to take interest “tooth time” in the mornings and at bedtime.

The most important factor in your child’s oral health is your own involvement.  Offer encouragement for good dental check-ups, brush and floss with your child, and follow the guidelines established by your pediatric dentist.  Following these steps will ensure the health of your child’s mouth now and into adulthood.

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It’s never too early to establish a good oral hygiene routine. In addition to providing tooth-healthy foods and monitoring the intake of sweets, it is important to teach children how to properly brush, floss, and care for their teeth.  Using these tips and working with your family dentist, you can help your children establish good oral hygiene habits.  With proper care, your child’s smile can remain strong and beautiful for a lifetime!