As we grow, our teeth change and grow with us. From precious baby teeth to permanent molars, there is more to keeping teeth healthy than just brushing. Healthy habits will create healthy teeth, and dentists have some handy tips to keep smiles happy.
Here are some helpful dentist-approved tips to help your children maintain healthy teeth.
- Start brushing as soon as that first tooth comes in. Baby teeth typically sprout around six months. Using a soft, small-headed toothbrush with a small dab of toothpaste will help children get used to the feeling of brushing. The road to preventing tooth decay starts as soon as those baby teeth appear, so don’t delay!
- Replace those toothbrushes regularly. Typically, every 3 months is a good time to turn those brushes around. Signs of wear include fraying and splaying of bristles. Remember, the better the bristle, the better it removes plaque and buildup. A soft, healthy brush is your best friend for keeping your teeth healthy.
- Don’t dismiss the importance of baby teeth. While baby teeth are temporary, their job is to save space for those permanent teeth. Baby teeth also affect things like speech, facial structure, and nutrition. Keeping them healthy keeps children healthy.
- Supervise children while brushing. Dentists recommend helping children brush up until the age of 7-8 to teach them proper technique and dexterity that will last them a lifetime.
- Use a good fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is the optimal tool recommended by dentists to help protect against cavities, tooth decay and protect tooth enamel. Using a dab of toothpaste the size of a pea should do the trick at brushing time.
Toothbrushes are tools that help protect teeth. Picking the right toothbrush can help parents feel confident when it comes to the oral care of their children. For a free guide to choosing the right toothbrush and routine for your family, check out our expert’s guide here.
15 July, 2026
