When Should My Child Start Brushing Their Teeth?

When Should Children Start Brushing Their Teeth?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you begin caring for your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear. This typically happens around 6 months of age when the first tooth begins to emerge. At this early stage, your child’s gums and emerging teeth need care, but there’s no need for a toothbrush just yet.

  • 0-6 Months: Before the first tooth emerges, gently clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. This helps remove any sugar buildup and prepares their gums for the future brushing routine.

  • 6-12 Months: When the first tooth arrives, it’s time to introduce a baby toothbrush. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed specifically for infants, or even a finger toothbrush, to gently clean the new tooth. Use a small amount of fluoride-free toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

  • 1-2 Years: As more teeth come in, continue brushing your toddler’s teeth twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. At this point, it’s essential to teach your child to brush, but you should still assist them to ensure they’re brushing correctly.

  • 2-5 Years: Once your child is a bit older, they can start brushing on their own, but they’ll still need help with technique and getting all areas of their mouth. Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles, like Build-A-Brush, to make brushing comfortable and fun.

  • 5+ Years: By this age, your child should be able to brush independently, though occasional reminders and assistance with technique will still help them maintain good habits.

Why Is It Important to Start Brushing Early?

Starting early helps ensure that your child develops healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime. Here’s why it’s crucial to start brushing as soon as the first tooth comes in:

  1. Preventing Cavities: Even baby teeth can get cavities. Regular brushing helps remove plaque and sugars that lead to tooth decay.

  2. Establishing Healthy Habits: The earlier you introduce brushing, the more likely your child will continue brushing as part of their daily routine.

  3. Promoting Gum Health: Brushing helps prevent gum disease by keeping the gums clean and healthy.

  4. Avoiding Early Dental Issues: Starting a brushing routine early can prevent future dental problems, making visits to the dentist less stressful.

How to Make Brushing Fun: Enter Build-A-Brush

One of the best ways to get your child excited about brushing their teeth is by making it fun! Build-A-Brush is the perfect way to turn toothbrushing into an adventure. With Build-A-Brush, kids can create their own toothbrush every day by selecting from various colorful parts, making each brushing session a unique and creative experience.

Build-A-Brush features soft bristles designed to be gentle on your child’s teeth and gums, which is perfect for ensuring a safe and effective cleaning experience. Plus, the customizable nature of Build-A-Brush makes it easy for kids to feel in charge of their dental care, empowering them to take ownership of their brushing routine.

How Build-A-Brush Can Help Your Child Enjoy Brushing

  • Customizable Designs: Your child can pick and choose different pieces to create a toothbrush that reflects their personality and interests. This makes the experience more engaging, encouraging them to brush more often.

  • Fun & Interactive: By letting kids design their own toothbrush, Build-A-Brush adds an element of fun to the daily brushing routine, making it something they look forward to instead of a chore.

  • Gentle Bristles for Sensitive Gums: As children’s gums and teeth are still developing, Build-A-Brush features soft bristles to gently clean without causing discomfort, ensuring your child’s mouth stays healthy and happy.

  • Easy-to-Hold Handle: The ergonomic handle makes it easy for little hands to grip, giving your child the independence to brush on their own while still getting the best results.

Tips for Teaching Your Child to Brush

While Build-A-Brush makes the brushing process more fun, there are a few additional tips to help teach your child proper brushing technique:

  • Brush Together: Make brushing a family activity. Brush your teeth together and lead by example. Your child will love imitating you!

  • Use a Timer: Set a timer for two minutes, which is the recommended brushing time, and encourage your child to brush until the timer goes off.

  • Make It a Game: Sing a toothbrushing song or use a fun app with brushing games to help keep your child engaged while they clean their teeth.

Starting your child’s brushing routine early is essential for developing lifelong healthy dental habits. By introducing brushing as soon as their first tooth appears, and making it fun with Build-A-Brush, you set your child up for success. The customizable, soft-bristled toothbrushes from Build-A-Brush make the process enjoyable, ensuring that your child stays motivated and excited about brushing their teeth.

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