Health Tip: Starting a Tooth Brushing Routine Early

(HealthDay News) — Tooth brushing should begin in infancy to instill lifelong habits and protect teeth throughout adulthood.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests:

  • Start practicing oral hygiene as soon as your baby is born by wiping baby’s gums with a soft, clean washcloth.
  • Never give your baby a bottle in the crib.
  • Choose healthy solids when introducing food to avoid tooth decay.
  • Brush a child’s teeth until the age of 3. Twice daily, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice.
  • Children age 3 and older may be able to brush teeth themselves with adult supervision. Twice daily, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.