At what age should children start brushing their teeth?
Children should brush their teeth as soon as they are able to hold a toothbrush, provided an adult supervises them. Parents should brush their baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts and before that time should use a finger brush or massager to wipe the baby's gums.
At what age should a child have their first dental visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends the first visit should be by the time the first tooth is in the mouth or by one year of age.
What is the best way to brush my toddler’s teeth?
Use a small, soft-bristled brush and circular motions on all tooth surfaces, especially where their teeth meet their gumline. Use a smear or rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and encourage your child to spit it out.
At what age should a child use fluoride?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using fluoridated toothpaste in small amounts (size of a rice grain or a smear) as soon as the child’s first tooth erupts and a pea size amount at the age of 3. This is updated from previous guidelines which recommended not using fluoride before the age of 2. If you are unsure, you may want to try Colgate® Kids My First® Fluoride-free Toothpaste without fluoride, artificial colors, or sodium lauryl sulfate that is harmless if swallowed. Ask your pediatric dentist what they recommend.