at what age should teeth cleaning begin

At What Age Should Teeth Cleaning Begin?

We often hear that it is important to keep our teeth clean to maintain its health. But the question is, at what age does that journey begin? Many parents wonder when is the right time to start cleaning their childs teeth. This is because the initial stages of tooth development are important, and if proper care is not taken at the starting stage, it may lead to various dental issues in future. Let's discuss in detail at what age teeth cleaning should begin.

The Significance of Teeth Cleaning

Teeth cleaning should be an important part of our daily life, and it is equally important for kids too. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eat away the outer layer of the teeth through the process of demineralization. This happens when acid produced by bacteria dissolves the surface of the enamel. If the teeth are not cleaned regularly, this can lead to cavities and eventually tooth loss. Teeth cleaning at an early stage can avoid such problems. Besides, it also helps to maintain good oral hygiene that has a positive impact on overall health.

When Should You Start Cleaning Your Kids Teeth?

Many parents are still uncertain about when to start cleaning their childs teeth. Its important to start early, even if its just wiping your babys gums with a damp cloth after feedings. Generally, dental professionals recommend that brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth appears in the mouth.

The First Tooth

The average age at which a babys first tooth appears is around six months. It may vary from child to child, and sometimes teeth may appear as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The early arrival of the tooth usually happens to children who were born premature or are hereditarily prone to early teething. Therefore, parents should keep a keen eye on their childs dental development.

The Role of Parents in Teeth Cleaning of Infants

Initially, the child's teeth can be cleaned by wiping the gum area with a moist washcloth after feeding to remove any leftover milk and to get the baby used to having their teeth cleaned. Parents can wet a baby toothbrush in water and brush their child's teeth gently. Toothpaste should not be utilized in this early stage. Parents should be careful to clean every tooth in the childs mouth, including the gums and tongue.

Toddler Teeth Cleaning

As we discussed earlier, tooth brushing ought to begin when the first tooth shows up, which usually occurs around six months of age. At this stage, brushing your child's teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush with a little amount of fluoride toothpaste should suffice. Although, the toothpaste quantity must not be more than the size of a pea.

The Role of Parents in Toddler Teeth Cleaning

Parental assistance is essential when the child is still young. Ideally, children should be supervised while brushing their teeth until the age of 7 or 8. Parents should encourage their children to brush their teeth and help them to develop good brushing habits. You could make it enjoyable by playing upbeat music or by brushing together as a family.

Steps to Remember While Brushing Your Kid's Teeth

- Use a soft bristled brush

- Use proper brushing technique

- Use only water initially, do not use toothpaste until the child learns how to spit it out

- Use a small amount of fluoride containing toothpaste once the child is above 2 years of age

- Get a new toothbrush every three months.

The Bottom Line

To conclude, teeth cleaning ought to begin once the first tooth emerges. Parents should supervise their childs brushing routine until such time that the child can brush his or her teeth without assistance. Good habits start early, and proper oral hygiene will last a lifetime. Parents should always remember that prevention will always be better than cure. Taking the first step toward good oral care will prevent your child from developing dental problems and will make their lives much more comfortable in the years to come.