Health Library Brushing and Flossing a Child's TeethFrom Healthwise

Start caring for your child's teeth as soon as you see the first baby (primary) tooth. Some tips on dental care for a child include:

• Clean your baby's first teeth with a clean piece of gauze, a terry cloth washcloth, or a soft-bristled baby toothbrush at least once a day. You may use one of the commercial "baby toothpastes" available for infants who are at least 5 months old.
• Clean your child's teeth before bedtime.
• When using toothpaste, use only a small amount (about the size of a small pea). Young children can become seriously ill if they swallow large amounts of dental products that contain fluoride. Keep these products out of your child's reach. Normal amounts of fluoride added to public water supplies and bottled water are safe for children and adults.
• Your child can learn how to brush his or her own teeth at about 3 years of age and should be brushing his or her own teeth morning and night by age 4, although parents should supervise and check for proper cleaning.
• Studies show that children between 6 and 9 years of age who brush with fluoride toothpaste have 24% less tooth decay and tooth-surface damage than might be expected if non-fluoride toothpaste is used.¹
• Flossing is an important part of good dental health. Start flossing your child's teeth when he or she has teeth that touch each other. Talk with your dentist about the right timing and technique to floss your child's teeth and to teach your child to floss. Plastic flossing tools may be helpful.
• From time to time, you may want to use disclosing tablets. Disclosing tablets are chewable tablets that color any plaque that remains after brushing. You can get these tablets at most drugstores.
• When your child is about 6 years old, you may want him or her to use a mouthwash, especially if your child has cavities. Do not give your child a mouthwash that contains alcohol. The alcohol can be harmful if swallowed.

• Growth and Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months
• Growth and Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years
• Growth and Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
• Tooth Decay

Citations

1. Marinho VCC, et al. (2007). Fluoride toothpastes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1).

Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: May 22, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.