When should I start brushing my child's teeth?

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  1. American Dental Association
     
    Begin brushing your child's teeth with a little water as soon as the first tooth appears. If you are considering using toothpaste before the child is 2 years of age, ask your dentist or physician first.
    More Related Answers from American Dental Association
    Begin brushing your child's teeth with a little water as soon as the first tooth appears. If you are considering using toothpaste before the child is 2 years of age, ask your dentist or physician first. More
  2. Dr. De Vizio
     
    Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:
    You should clean your children's teeth as soon as they come in. You may use a toothbrush or soft cloth if teeth appear before your child's first birthday, but you should begin using a soft brush and water two times daily between the ages of one and two. After your child's second birthday, you should begin using toothpaste as well. If you are concerned because your child's teeth have come in early or are coming in slowly,  talk to your dentist about the best way to care for them. As for flossing, you should discuss the right time to begin with your dentist. Depending on your child's teeth, you may  need to help them floss until they are a little bit older.
    More Related Answers from Colgate
    You should clean your children's teeth as soon as they come in. You may use a toothbrush or soft cloth if teeth appear before your child's first birthday, but you should begin using a soft brush and water two times daily between the ages of one and... More
  3. Dr. Diana Blythe
     

    You should start brushing your children's teeth as soon as you see them. For most kids, the first tooth appears around six months old, but anywhere from four months to one year is considered normal. In addition, try to bring your children to the dentist before their first birthdays.

    More Related Answers from Pediatric Associates
    You should start brushing your children's teeth as soon as you see them. For most kids, the first tooth appears around six months old, but anywhere from four months to one year is considered normal. In addition, try to bring your children to the... More
  4. March of Dimes
     
    March of Dimes answered:

    As soon as your baby's first tooth appears, start brushing with water. Later, when she is old enough to spit, introduce toothpaste. When you use toothpaste, make it a small (pea-sized) amount of a non-fluoride brand. Don't use a toothpaste with fluoride until your child is 2 years old, unless recommended by her dentist. Don't give her fluoride mouth rinses until she's 6. Start flossing as soon as two teeth start to touch each other.

    So when should you actually take her to the dentist? The American Dental Association recommends that your baby get her first dental visit within 6 months of getting her first tooth and no later than her first birthday. The dentist checks the shape of your baby's mouth, teeth and gums and looks for signs of damage caused by thumb sucking. Maintaining dental health early can help protect your baby's teeth for a lifetime.

    More Related Answers from March of Dimes
    As soon as your baby's first tooth appears, start brushing with water. Later, when she is old enough to spit, introduce toothpaste. When you use toothpaste, make it a small (pea-sized) amount of a non-fluoride brand. Don't use a toothpaste with... More