When Should Your Child Start Using Toothpaste?

We have many parents come to us with a common question, when should we begin using toothpaste for our children and how much should we use?

The short answer is the sooner the better!

Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water.When your child gets their first tooth, prior to age one, using training toothpaste is appropriate.

For your baby’s teeth here is a quick reference guide on what to do:

1) When your child gets teeth, start introducing them to brushing the teeth. Nice warm bristles of the toothbrush always help. Also, make sure you are using a toothbrush with soft bristles. Introducing toothbrushes to your child at a young age creates positive habits.

2) When your child gets teeth, bring them in to see us, we know you have questions and we have answers. Babies can start getting teeth at 5-6 months old. Don’t wait to bring them in! To make it easier for you, children 3 and under receive their first visit free.

Even though your child will eventually lose all of their baby teeth, they are still very important to clean their teeth with toothpaste. Healthy baby teeth allow for proper speech, good self-esteem and self-image, chewing, and saving space for their permanent teeth. The sooner the better for when you should have your child start using toothpaste.

Following your child’s first birthday switch over to a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, brushing the teeth and gums twice daily. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively therefore parental assistance is key!

Don’t forget that children 3 and under receive their first visit FREE. They will receive an exam, fluoride treatment, and a teeth cleaning. At your child’s initial visit, our top priority is to make sure they feel comfortable. If you have any questions about when you should have your child start using toothpaste, please give us a call. We’re here to answer any questions you may have!