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Put a Bright Smile On Your Child's Face

Large group of young children holding up their toothbrushes

Building good dental health habits early will help your child take care of their teeth and gums for a lifetime

Children need healthy teeth to eat, speak properly and perform well in school. Unfortunately, though, cavities are all too common. By age 8, more than half of kids have had a cavity in at least one baby tooth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cavities can affect children's health far beyond the mouth.

Without treatment, a cavity can lead to an abscess and spread infection to the rest of the body. When a child's immune system is fighting bacteria from a cavity, it's less able to defend the rest of the body from other germs.

Oral health through the ages

Your child's dental health journey begins before they're born and evolves throughout childhood.

During pregnancy moms-to-be should brush and floss daily and see their dentist for regular cleanings. Healthy dental habits not only support their own health, but it also contributes to the baby's overall well-being.

Dental care in the formative years

Birth to age 1: Gently wipe your baby's gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding. Start brushing your child's teeth with a rice-size drop of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears. Begin flossing once they have two teeth side by side. Schedule your child's first dental exam once their first tooth comes in.

Ages 1 to 3: Continue brushing your child's teeth twice daily. Let your toddler have a turn at brushing if they want to, but be sure to brush their teeth yourself afterward.

Ages 3 to 9: Let your child take over twice-daily brushing once you feel comfortable they can handle it. Be sure your child uses a pea-sized amount of toothpaste beginning at age 3. Supervise their brushing until they turn 9.

Brushing basics

Choose a toothbrush that fits your child's mouth and is easy for them to hold. An electric toothbrush may be right for your child if they need help brushing.

Navigating toothpaste can be tricky for some kids.

  • Remember to have your child spit out the toothpaste and not swallow it. If they can't spit it out, use a harmless training toothpaste with no fluoride.
  • Your child may not like the taste of toothpaste, and that's OK. If you can't find a flavor they like, brush their teeth with water. That's better than not brushing at all.

Prep for success

If your child is nervous about going to the dentist, read books on the topic beforehand. You can also take your child to your next appointment so they can see what it's all about.

Ask your dentist for gloves, a mask and a disposable mouth mirror so you and your child can play dentist at home. This can help them get more comfortable with having their teeth examined. Let the child play the dentist and you play the patient so they can feel in control.

3 tips for fun brushing

  1. Build a reward system. Place a calendar on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror and let your child add a sticker for each day they brush their teeth twice. Reward them with a treat or privilege at the end of each week.
  2. Create a playlist. Let your child pick out some favorite tunes to brush to.
  3. Use a timer. Set a sand timer for 2 minutes to give your child a fun visual on how long to brush.

Kids' healthy nighttime routine

Routines help children build healthy habits. Tonya Fuqua, D.D.S., Dental Integration director at Cook Children's, recommends following the four B's to help kids get comfortable with oral health.

  1. Take a bath.
  2. Brush teeth.
  3. Read a book together.
  4. Go to bed.

The terrific 2s

For a simple way to help your child build healthy dental habits, follow the Rule of 2s:

  • Brush 2 times each day (in the morning and before bed).
  • Brush for 2 minutes at a time.
  • Visit the dentist 2 times each year.

Related information

Want more tips on caring for your child's teeth and gums?