Good dental habits start early, even before your child can brush their own teeth. From that first tiny tooth to the day they take over brushing for themselves, parents play an important role in helping prevent cavities and building oral hygiene habits that can last a lifetime.
Here are some of the basics parents should know about caring for children’s teeth.
When Should You Start Brushing Your Child’s Teeth?
You can begin caring for your baby’s mouth before their first tooth appears by gently wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth.
Once the first tooth comes in, start brushing twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. At age three, increase this to a pea-sized amount.
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities. In British Columbia, dental and public-health professionals recommend fluoride toothpaste beginning with the first tooth.
When Should a Child First Visit the Dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental appointment within six months of the first tooth appearing OR by one year of age.
That can sound surprisingly early, but the goal isn’t necessarily to do a lot of dental treatment. An early visit allows the dentist to check how your child’s teeth are developing, look for early signs of tooth decay and talk with parents about brushing, fluoride, eating habits and other concerns.
It also gives children a chance to become familiar with the dental office, experience what it is like to sit in the dental chair, and meet their family dentist for the first time before there’s a problem. Ideally, their first experiences at the dentist happen when nothing hurts.
What Happens at a Child’s First Dental Visit?
A young child’s first visit is generally simple and adapted to their age and comfort level.
The dentist may examine the teeth and gums, check how the teeth are developing and look for early signs of cavities. It’s also a good opportunity to ask questions about things like teething, brushing, flossing, fluoride, thumb sucking or pacifier use.
Don’t worry if your toddler isn’t thrilled about opening wide for a stranger. Young children don’t always cooperate perfectly and that’s okay. Becoming comfortable with dental visits can take time.
When Can Children Brush Their Own Teeth?
Letting children practice brushing is a great way to build independence, but young children don’t yet have the dexterity to clean every tooth properly.
In BC, the recommendation is for an adult to help children brush until at least age eight.
One easy approach is to let your child brush first and have a parent finish the job. That lets them practice without leaving all the responsibility in little hands.
What About Flossing?
Once teeth are touching one another, a toothbrush can’t clean the tight spaces between them. That’s when cleaning between the teeth becomes important.
Flossing can be tricky for children to learn, so parents will usually need to help at first. Your dentist or hygienist can show you techniques that make it easier.
Everyday Habits That Help Prevent Cavities
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most important things you can do, but what happens between brushing matters too.
Frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks gives cavity-causing bacteria more opportunities to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Water between meals is a tooth-friendly choice, and avoiding prolonged sipping on juice or other sugary drinks can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Regular dental visits also give your dental team an opportunity to catch small problems before they become bigger ones. How often your child should be seen depends on their individual needs; your dentist can recommend an appropriate schedule
Helping Children Feel Comfortable at the Dentist
Try to keep conversations about dental visits positive and matter-of-fact. Avoid using the dentist as a threat or sharing your own dental fears with your child.
For young children, an appointment when they’re well-rested can also make the experience easier.
The goal isn’t necessarily a flawless first appointment. It’s to gradually help your child learn that taking care of their teeth and visiting the dentist is a normal part of looking after themselves.
Children’s Dental Care in Nanaimo
At Metral Dental, we enjoy helping families build healthy dental habits from the beginning. Whether you’re wondering when to bring your child for their first visit, have questions about brushing and fluoride, or simply want to make sure their teeth are developing well, we’re happy to help. Give us a call and book an appointment today.
Further Reading:
HealthLinkBC - Brushing and Flossing a Child's Teeth
HealthLinkBC - Basic Dental Care from Birth to 16 Years
Canadian Dental Association - Your Child's First Visit
