Regular dental care should begin by 1 year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice each year for most children. Some children may need check-ups more often.
Birth to 6 Months Old
Clean your baby’s mouth with water (should be avoided as it may inadvertently lead to drinking water) and a cloth or gauze or use a soft infant toothbrush after feedings and at bedtime. Both should be avoided in breastfed babies as a white milk patch on the tongue is protecting your baby against the entry of bugs. Ensure exclusive breastfeeding.
6–12 Months Old
During this time, the first tooth should appear. But, do not worry if your baby does not have a tooth until 15 months of age.
Brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with a finger brush or a very small, soft-bristled brush.
Use a very small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice (Fig. 1).
As your child begins to walk, stay alert for possible dental or facial injuries.
1–3 Years Old
Follow the schedule of dental checkups and cleanings, as recommended by your child’s dentist. Generally, dental checkups and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for children and adults.
At about the age of 3 years,
as your child learns to rinse and spit, brushing with a pea-sized portion of toothpaste is best.