How to start cleaning your child's teeth
With your baby's first tooth coming in, it's time to start thinking about their dental hygiene. So, which brushes are best for cleaning your child's teeth without irritating their sensitive gums? What toothpastes are suitable for their age? In our guide, you will find the answers to the questions that every parent has about brushing their children's teeth.
How to Start Cleaning Your Children's Teeth
Start with dental hygiene from the very first tooth
As the teeth grow, try massaging the gums with rubber gum brushes
Choose a toothbrush according to the child's age
Select your child's brush by design - price is not always a guarantee of quality
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I relieve my baby from the pain of teething?
Normally, within the second six months of your child's life, their first milk teeth will start to come in. This is a time of placidity, restlessness and elevated temperatures. To relieve discomfort, you can make or buy your baby special chew toys that massage the gums while putting pressure on the growing teeth to reduce their pain. You can also massage gums using rubber toothbrushes.
When should I start cleaning my child's teeth?
It's best to start brushing your child's teeth from the very beginning. This helps to build the foundation for proper hygiene habits in the future. The child gets used to the fact that tooth brushing is part of their daily routine and builds a positive relationship with the process. This reduces the risk that your child will reject the process later. Even if your child is not eating solid food yet, don't forget to clean their teeth. Maternal (and artificial) milk contains natural sugars that contribute to the development of dental cavities.
Which toothbrush should I choose for my child?
Toothbrushes for children are varied and categorised for different ages of children. Some brushes are produced with rattles in them to keep younger children interested. To select a toothbrush for your child, refer to the recommended age indicated on the packaging. The head must be small enough to get to the hardest-to-reach places, and the bristles should be smooth with a straight cut.
Should I use an electric toothbrush for my child's teeth?
Electric toothbrushes can be used on children from the age of three. These toothbrushes, which come in a variety of themes with many features, help to keep children interested and even enjoy the tooth brushing process. If you are considering purchasing one, consult your child's pediatric dentist first. Modern electric toothbrushes sometimes use smartphone or tablet apps that motivate the child, teach them the right cleaning technique and reward them for their progress.
Which toothpaste should my child use?
Manufacturers indicate the recommended age on the packaging of the toothpaste. Children often swallow toothpaste, so the amount of fluoride in children's toothpaste is reduced, and they are flavoured so that the child won't reject it. Adult toothpastes should not be used as their fluoride content is too high for children.
The Right Brush for Your Child
What is the correct technique for cleaning my baby's teeth?
When cleaning your baby's teeth, use the same ring technique that is recommended for adults. Clean each area (external, internal, head) with small circular movements. Don't forget the inside of the baby's teeth! While the child is learning to brush their teeth by themselves, brush your teeth with them and take them through the process.
How often should my child brush their teeth?
When a child is in the early stages of teething, once a day is enough. Once one or more teeth have properly come through, this should be increased to twice a day so the child can get used to the process. From pre-school age, the child can start cleaning their teeth more often - in the morning, evening, and after lunch.
How long should the process of cleaning my child's teeth take?
Ideally, until all the teeth are thoroughly cleaned. Young children might be resistant to having their teeth brushed. Even so, it is important to try to continue the practice and maintain the habit. The child will soon get used to regular brushing and then you can gradually increase the length of time.
From what age can my child clean their teeth alone?
Even toddlers can begin to build the habit and learn the skill of brushing their own teeth, but all children should be supervised until roughly 8 years of age.
When should my child start using an interdental brush?
It is important to ensure that the space between your child's teeth is clean. As with toothbrush cleaning, the sooner you begin creating the habit, the better.
From what age can my child use mouthwash?
Children over the age of 6 can start using special children's mouthwash. At this age, the child should be capable of spitting the mouthwash back out without swallowing any. Mouthwash removes the residual bacteria that remains after brushing teeth and has disinfectant properties.
What should I do if my child refuses to brush their teeth?
It is quite common for a child to suddenly become resistant to tooth brushing, even if they have been brushing their teeth without issue up to that point. It's important not to stop cleaning the teeth regularly and to praise the child for every successful attempt. You can also try to turn tooth brushing into a game. You will find that this period of resistance will go as quickly as it came.