Top 5 Ways to Take Care of Your Children’s Teeth

Posted on January 21, 2025 in Kid's Health

If you've spent time around kids, you're probably familiar with the challenge of getting them to do healthy things, including brushing their teeth. However, helping children care for their oral health is essential for maintaining their overall health.

Did you know there are steps parents can take even before birth to kickstart caring for their children’s teeth? The journey to a healthy and happy smile begins much earlier than you might think.

Five ways to care for your children’s teeth

1. Good oral health starts before birth

Many mothers don’t know their oral health habits during pregnancy can impact their unborn children’s teeth. During pregnancy, a mother experiences many hormonal changes that make them more prone to experiencing dental problems like:

• Gingivitis: 60-75 percent of pregnant women have gingivitis, which can lead to preterm birth and low birth weight.
• Cavities: One in four pregnant women develops untreated cavities, which can be passed on to the child during pregnancy or even after the baby is born.
  • Children whose mothers have untreated cavities are three times more likely to develop cavities early in life. 

Taking care of oral health before birth is important for both the mother and baby.

Click here for more information on pregnancy and oral health.

2. Start a good oral health care routine young 

Some parents don’t realize the importance of establishing a child’s good oral health habits early. Actively caring for your children’s teeth should begin right when they are born.

Use these oral health tips for infants/young kids:

• Clean your baby’s mouth by wiping the gums with a gauze pad or a clean washcloth after feedings.
• Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they come in. Establish the habit of brushing them twice daily (morning and evening) using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste once the child can spit it out.
• Only let children drink water before bedtime or naptime, and remember to clean baby bottles after each use to help prevent tooth decay.
• Teach children to brush on their own when old enough, but continue to supervise them to ensure they brush all their teeth and use an appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste.

3. Model good oral health behaviors

Children love to mimic what they see their parents do. Even when you think they’re not paying attention, they’re observing more than you might realize. Use this habit to your advantage by setting a positive example and showing them what a consistent oral health routine looks like. 

Show your child the correct way to brush: 

1. Splash water on your toothbrush.
2. Apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
3. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.
4. Insert the toothbrush into your mouth and begin gently brushing in small circles on each tooth for a total of two minutes.
5. Repeat this process twice a day.

Explain to your child that while two minutes might seem like a long time, it’s important for each tooth to be brushed and cleaned correctly.

4. Use the right oral health tools

Oral health care is only effective if you use the right tools.

Here are some must-have items for taking care of your children’s teeth and mouth:

• Gauze pads or a clean washcloth to wipe gums before teeth appear
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Child-sized toothbrush (ADA Approved)
• Dental floss
• Regular dental check-ups

It’s important to choose toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other oral health essentials designed specifically for small hands and mouths to ensure they’re both effective and comfortable for your child.

5. See a dentist early

Maintaining your children’s oral health will also require regular visits to the dentist. These visits are important because dentists can clean areas that toothbrushes and floss can’t reach, especially for children who may miss spots when brushing. 

Your child’s dentist can also detect early signs of tooth decay or potential cavities, helping prevent bigger issues. Regular dental check-ups set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Click here to find a dentist and schedule an appointment today.

Prioritize your children’s teeth today for a healthier tomorrow 

By taking proactive steps to prioritize your child’s oral health, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of oral and overall health. Good oral hygiene habits, the right tools, and regular dental check-ups are vital in preventing cavities and ensuring your child’s well-being.

Remember, a little effort today can lead to big rewards for your child’s future. Start their journey to a healthy, happy smile today!

Want to learn more about pediatric oral health? Check out this blog: “Dental Care Timeline for Infants & Children.”