Infants and Toddlers

When that first tooth makes its appearance, usually between 6 and 12 months, you can introduce a soft-bristle toothbrush. You might choose a brush with a handle that you and your baby can hold together, or one that you wear like a finger puppet. At this stage you can skip the toothpaste and simply use water. If your baby is not reacting well to a toothbrush yet, it is perfectly fine to switch back temporarily to a damp cloth.

Flossing also plays a role in teaching hygiene habits, but it is a little different from brushing. We recommend discussing it with Dr. Ahmadi, who can advise you on when to start flossing and how best to help your child. If you ever notice signs of decay on your child's teeth, contact our office right away.

Once your child has multiple teeth, you can begin introducing small amounts of fluoride-free toothpaste onto the brush. Have your child practice spitting out the toothpaste, this prepares them for the future use of fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

Because children under age 2 cannot rely on fluoride to protect against cavities and decay, it is especially important to help them care for their new teeth. As teeth come in, examine them every couple of weeks and keep an eye out for discoloration or lines that could signal early decay. Best practice is to make sure your child is brushing after every meal and before bed.

Children of all ages should avoid sugary sweetened drinks and foods, since sugars promote tooth decay. Even fruit juice, formula, and breast milk can lead to decay, one reason brushing from such a young age matters so much. Babies should never go to bed with a bottle, because when sugary liquids have extended contact with the teeth it can lead to early childhood decay, often called baby bottle caries.

Regular professional cleanings and exams as part of our pediatric dentistry program let our team catch small issues before they become bigger problems.

The easiest way to encourage children to brush is to lead by example. Children are naturally curious and want to mimic you, so when they see you brushing and flossing daily, they take interest. Offer them their own toothbrush, ideally a child's brush with a chunky, short handle that is easier to grip. They will not be able to clean their teeth properly yet, but holding and playing with a toothbrush helps them feel comfortable with the routine. Most children do not develop the motor skills to clean their own teeth well until around age six or seven, so they may need your help until then.

For older children who treat brushing as a chore, make it more fun. Let them pick a toothbrush featuring a favorite character or a toothpaste in a flavor they love, and play a two-minute song as a timer so they know when they are done. Whatever gets your child excited about brushing helps them build lifelong, healthy oral hygiene habits.