Your child’s first tooth is a milestone in their physical development. Even though the teething process can be a challenge, many parents are thrilled to see that first tooth erupt. What some forget, though, is that this first tooth also signals an extra step in the parenting rhythms and rituals, which is to begin taking care of your child’s oral health.
Teeth are an important part of a baby’s mouth. They keep the proper spacing of the jaws that are needed to make way for adult teeth. As older children–and later on as adults–teeth are needed to eat, to speak (pronunciation of words), and to express emotion (ex. smiling). This is why it is important that they be cared for at every age. Not sure how that’s done? Here is a quick cheat sheet!
Age: Infants
Method: Wipe the gums with a wet cloth to keep the mouth clean.
Parenting Tips: Once the teeth erupt, brush with an infant toothbrush that has a small amount of infant toothpaste.
Encourage your infant to drink water often as soon as the pediatrician allows it. This will help keep their gums clean.
Avoid giving your child juice or other sugary foods or foods high in acid content. This will help keep their teeth’s enamel intact. Remember, the weaker the enamel the higher the risk of cavities.
Age: 1 to 3 year olds
Method: Graduate to a child’s toothbrush, using soft bristles and a slightly bigger amount of toothpaste.
Parenting Tips: Be sure to brush between the teeth, especially for those touching each other.
Teach your child how to spit out the toothpaste to avoid ingestion.
Brushing after sweets is still one of the best practices!
Age: 3 to 7 year olds
Method: Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and make sure your child brushes at least twice a day.
Parenting Tips: Turn brushing into a game or song to teach your child how to do it on their own, making sure they reach all sides of their teeth.
Bring your child to the dentist once or twice a year to get them used to the visits, and for them to learn more about their oral health.
Age: 7 and up
Method: Brush twice daily, and teach your child to floss! While flossing can begin before this age, it is only around this time that a child’s fingers will be dexterous enough to manage the floss by themselves, or at least begin learning to do so.
Parenting Tips: Reward your child for good oral hygiene! Encouraging healthy teeth and gums and making it a habit is one they will never regret as adults!
Remember, by the time your child is three, they should have around 10 top teeth and 10 bottom teeth, but oral health should begin well before this time. Everyone can get tooth decay, babies included!
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