It’s important to help children establish good brushing habits early on. While they are still babies, wipe their gums with a soft cloth and water after each feeding. As teeth start to emerge, use a soft toothbrush to clean the teeth and gums daily. For toddlers, choose a soft toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for children. Make sure you choose toothpaste that is recommended by the American Dental Association and that is free from harsh abrasives which can wear away your child’s developing tooth enamel. For children age 2 and younger, use only a smear of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. For children aged 2 to 5, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Don’t let your child swallow the toothpaste. If your child is too young to spit out the toothpaste, use fluoride-free toothpaste to avoid them ingesting too much fluoride. For the first few years, you should help your child brush their teeth. Make sure they brush their teeth at least twice a day.
Use gentle, circular motions and make sure to clean all the teeth, the gums, and the tongue. Even after your child is old enough to brush their teeth on their own, you should supervise the brushing until about age 7.
Flossing:
Flossing is an important part of tooth care because it removes plaque that a toothbrush can’t reach, including between the teeth and under the gum line. You should start flossing your child’s teeth when they have two teeth that are touching. Floss your child’s teeth daily until they can do it themselves.