Helping your child take care of their teeth is an important part of their overall health and wellness. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early in life can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems down the road.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything parents need to know about children’s oral health, including:.

When to Start Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

Good dental care starts even before your baby’s first tooth comes in. Using a clean, damp cloth, gently wipe their gums after feedings.

Once their first tooth appears, usually around 6 months of age, start using a toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride to clean their teeth. Until they’re old enough to brush on their own, you should brush their teeth twice a day.

The Importance of Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. It’s commonly found in toothpaste and in some community water supplies.

It’s important to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, but be sure to use only a small amount and supervise your child while they brush to make sure they don’t swallow it.

How to Brush Your Child’s Teeth

Here’s a step-by-step guide to brushing your child’s teeth:.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head.
Place a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush.
Gently brush their teeth in small, circular motions.
Be sure to brush all surfaces of their teeth, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces.
Don’t forget to brush their tongue to remove bacteria and freshen their breath.
Rinse their mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash.

Flossing Your Child’s Teeth

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth that brushing alone can’t reach. As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing their teeth once a day. Here’s how to floss your child’s teeth:.

Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long.
Wrap one end of the floss around your index finger and the other end around your child’s index finger.
Guide the floss gently between their teeth, using a back-and-forth motion.
Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it against their tooth and under the gumline.
Repeat on each tooth, using a new section of floss each time.

The Importance of a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is not only important for your child’s overall health, but it’s also important for their oral health.

Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy products can help keep their teeth and gums healthy. It’s also important to limit sugary and starchy snacks, as these can lead to tooth decay.

The Role of Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are important for monitoring your child’s oral health and catching any problems before they become more serious.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday, or as soon as their first tooth appears. After that, they should see a dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.

Caring for Braces or Other Dental Appliances

If your child has braces or other dental appliances, it’s important to take extra care to keep their teeth clean. They should brush and floss regularly and use any special tools recommended by their orthodontist.

It’s also important to avoid sticky, chewy and hard foods that could damage their appliances.

Managing Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and sometimes they can damage your child’s teeth. If your child chips, cracks or knocks out a tooth, it’s important to act quickly. Here are some tips:.

If your child knocks out a tooth, try to find it and rinse it off. Then, hold it gently in its socket as you head to the dentist.
If your child chips or cracks a tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling.
Call your dentist right away to schedule an emergency appointment.