Well, the earlier you start, the better it is. However, many parents will likely state that brushing and flossing their child’s teeth is an absolute nightmare. A usually nice, sweet, and smiling child can quickly turn into a spawn of the devil when you attempt the child’s brushing and flossing. In this article, we will offer the best advice possible for brushing and flossing your child’s teeth.

Dentists claim that cleaning teeth should start as soon as they emerge. However, just one single tooth could be damaged by a tooth brush. For babies, a warm washcloth with just warm water should be sufficient to get those individual teeth cleaned. As teeth start to grow together, switching to a child’s tooth brush is recommended. Most dentists usually recommend at least 3-4 teeth grown together before brushing is introduced.

When the day finally comes for your child to start using a tooth brush there are some tips that can help the process go much easier. One thing you need to make sure of is that the toothbrush is adequate for children. Adult toothbrushes will be too stiff and hard. If your child associates pain with brushing their teeth then the battle will continue. Make sure you have a child’s tooth brush with soft bristles. Before brushing, try running it under warm water. This offers a soothing effect and can soften the bristles even more. If the process is comfortable then your child will be more likely to do it.

Toothpaste needs to be considered carefully. If the child is not old enough to spit it out then cleaning with plain water should be fine. Toothpaste usually has fluoride in it. Fluoride is completely safe but too much can cause staining of the teeth. Children that do not know to spit out tend to swallow the toothpaste which can lead to a build up of fluoride. This can stain and discolor the future permanent teeth.

If you are still in charge of brushing your child’s teeth then make sure it is done at least twice a day. Pay extra attention to the back teeth. Their shape and positioning makes them highly vulnerable to bacteria and tooth decay. Make sure your child has their own toothbrush and change it every 3-4 months; sooner if need be.

Flossing does not have to be implemented right away. In fact, it can wait until teeth start to grow together. Once this starts to happen, make sure that you floss at least once a day. This will get food out that the tooth brush cannot reach.

It is believed that parents should brush their children’s teeth for them until about the age of 7. The reason being that children lack the needed coordination required to clean teeth properly. One of the best ways to teach your child to brush is to do it with them. Show them how you brush your teeth and the care you put in. Children love to copy adults so they will want to do it like you.

The type of toothpaste that you choose can make a big difference in the enjoyment level. Remember, children are still developing and something that tastes good to you may not to a child. Some adult toothpastes may also be to strong. Children’s toothpastes are flavored to please them. Using these may encourage brushing. Read the labels carefully to make sure this particular toothpaste is age appropriate. Your dentist is the best person to recommend a good brand.

Finally, mouth rinses are highly recommended for adult oral hygiene due to their ability to get places brushes and dental flosses cannot. However, they are not the best thing for young children. If your child knows to spit the rinses out then it is probably safe to use them. These are not to be swallowed so make sure you are with them if they use it. Make sure you and your child are aware that mouth rinses are not a substitute for brushing. They only disinfect the mouth; they don’t clean the teeth.

Brushing and flossing your child’s teeth is very important. The earlier they learn good habits the more likely they are to keep them as they get older. By stressing the importance and demonstrating the correct way, your child will learn this effectively. By using equipment made for children, brushing and flossing will be seen as enjoyable and not a chore.