Has anyone ever told you that starting a routine early on in a child’s life can build healthy habits? A lot of children thrive off a routine, it’s comforting to them. Every evening we have had the same routine since the kids were babies. We would have dinner, take tubs, brush our teeth, and read books. My girls are now 6 and 8, and even though they are not babies or toddlers anymore we continue their evening routine. Except now, they brush their own teeth and read to us! Here are some tips to help with brushing children’s teeth.
Babies 0-6 months
The American Dental Association recommends cleaning your baby’s gums soon after birth. Just wipe them gently with a warm washcloth to make sure there’s nothing around them. If they are teething use a cold washcloth to help with the gum discomfort. When the first tooth breaks through use a rubber toothbrush daily, our favorite is the banana toothbrush. Let your child explore it while you change their diaper; you know you’ll be at the changing table many times throughout the day.
Brushing Children’s Teeth: 6-12 months old
When multiple teeth come in use a brush with bristles. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests children under 3 should only use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, the size of a grain of rice. Plaque can start to build and cause tooth decay. Their teeth need to be brushed twice a day. It is important to take care of your child’s baby teeth. This also will build important oral health habits for when they get older. Make brushing children’s teeth fun by singing a song, getting character toothbrushes, making faces in the mirror, and doing it together!
Tips for Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth
- It’s always helpful to have another adult help.
- Gently lift their lips so you can see all their teeth.
- Put one clean finger in the side of their mouth to help remind them to keep it open while you get all angles of their teeth.
- I always laid them on their changing table or on a blanket on the floor when they were very small. You can also do this in their highchair when a bit older.
Tips for Brushing Toddler’s Teeth
- Choose a toothpaste they will like (my kids love Tom’s Strawberry Paste)
- Use a pea-sized amount (that’s all they need)
- Use a timer or pick a song you can sing to them while brushing. Brush Your Teeth by Raffi is a fan favorite!
- Teach them to clean the toothbrush off when they are finished.
- Try using a sticker chart after brushing (what kid doesn’t like a sticker chart?!)
- For children who are refusing to let you brush, get a brushing buddy (stuffed animal). Have your child brush their teeth while you brush the child’s.
- Read a silly book about teeth brushing and brush a section of teeth before turning the page. Try Snappy Croc!
- Make sure they are brushing twice a day and you are limiting sugar.
- Keep to water and milk; avoid juice as much as possible.
The Dentist
Around the time of their first birthday is a great time to take them to the dentist. This gets them used to the seat and having their teeth brushed and counted by the hygienist. I started taking my children to the dentist around 16 months. They enjoy the dentist, and they are 6 and 8 years old now. They LOVE having their teeth cleaned and picking out the flavor paste. I am also pretty sure walking away with a prize is a bonus too!
Make brushing children’s teeth fun! Have them pick out their own toothbrush and brush their teeth together; modeling toothbrushing is very important for oral hygiene.
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About The Author
Jaclyn Capilli has over 10 years of experience working with children. After graduating from Curry College with her Bachelor’s Degree she worked as a paraprofessional in a special needs classroom. Then while in Graduate school at Cambridge College, she nannied for a local family for 3 years. After moving back to the South Shore she worked for Head Start for 5 plus years while nannying for a local family. She is now a mother of two and is working for Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny. She owns Jaclyn Nicole Photography, a photography business on the South Shore. In her free time, she likes reading, going for hikes, and making memories with her daughters.
