When your child's teeth begin to break through, brush them with water and a soft toothbrush once or twice a day. Children usually acquire all of their primary teeth around the age of two and a half, and at that point your child may begin brushing with toothpaste as long as he or she is supervised. Only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be used, and children should always spit out the toothpaste after brushing and rinse their mouths with water. Flossing should begin as soon as your child has two teeth that touch. Flossing is essential to ensure healthy teeth because it cleans the spaces between the teeth and around the gums that brushing can miss.
Children are usually able to brush and floss by themselves at six or seven years of age.
Another important aspect of healthy teeth is regular dental visits. Your child should see a dentist by age three. Early trips to the dentist not only allow your dentist to be aware of the development of your child's teeth, but also will ease your child's fear of the dentist. At the dental visit, your dentist will examine your child's teeth and recommend oral hygiene habits that are appropriate for your child. Children should visit the dentist twice a year, and orthodontic visits may begin as early as age seven to make sure your child's teeth will be healthy and straight.