Tips for a Healthy Mouth

Many parents have questions about when and how to brush their child's teeth.  Basic tooth care information is available from the Amercian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Frequently Asked Questions. For ideas to help fit you child's unique situation, please see our tips below.

Tips for daily tooth and mouth care

• Start cleaning your infant's gums with a soft baby toothbrush or cloth and water.
• Begin brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste when your child's teeth begin to come in (view the ADA eruption charts).
• Use a very thin smear of toothpaste on the toothbrush.
• Rinse or spray your child's mouth with water after a meal if you are out and about and after each dose of medicine.
• If your child wants to brush, make sure you do a thorough cleaning at the end of the day (have your child brush and then you "check" with the toothbrush and finish with a thorough cleaning).
• Review toothbrushing and flossing tips from the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center.

Tips for challenges with brushing

• Brushing does not have to happen in the bathroom.
• Brush with your child’s head in your lap or have your child lie on a bed or sofa (helps you see the teeth better and may make it easier for your child to hold still and keep their mouth open).
• Keep your child occupied as you brush. Give your child something to hold while you brush, have your child brush your teeth as you brush his/hers, sing a song while brushing, or let your child watch in the mirror.
• If your child is sensitive to toothpaste, try dipping the toothbrush (or cloth or cotton swab) into fluoride mouth rinse.
• For children who might gag, try letting your child get used to a toothbrush slowly.  Let your child "teeth" or chew on a toothbrush or NUK toothbrush trainer for a few weeks to get used to the feel of it in their mouth.  You can then slowly take over and work toward the actual brushing.
• If your child cannot spit try wiping her mouth with a cloth after brushing.
• Ask for professional help to decrease mouth sensitivity and increase tolerance.
• View the oral hygiene aids and different positions for toothbrushing PDFs from the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center.
• Find every day dental care tips for parents and caregivers from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.