Parents know that taking care of small children is a full-time job – and along with diaper changes, bath time, and medical checkups, parents also need to take care of their children’s teeth.
Birth to 18 Months - No Toothpaste Required
Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as the teeth begin to come in – but you don’t need toothpaste at first. For babies younger than 18 months, the best way to clean your child’s teeth is with a wet cloth or gauze – without toothpaste. Gently rub your child’s teeth and gums with a cloth over your fingertip – this, along with nursing and/or drinking water, is all the oral hygiene that your child needs at the infant stage. Once your child has more of a “full set” of teeth, you can use a small, soft toothbrush to brush your child’s teeth with water.
When to Start Toothpaste
In general, children should not use toothpaste until they are at least 18 months old – and when you do start using toothpaste, make sure it is a safe “children’s toothpaste” made especially for young ones. Young children have different dental needs than grown-ups – and children’s toothpaste is made for this purpose.
What to Look for in a Children’s Toothpaste




Remember: Brushing your child’s teeth is part of parenting, and you need to start at a young age. By taking the time each day – before bedtime and in the morning – to clean your child’s teeth with a specially-formulated children’s toothpaste, you will be helping to create a lifetime of healthy dental habits and happy smiles.
To book an appointment or a free consultation, contact our office today at (416) 751-4290 or click here to request a time. Also, be sure to join the Warden Eglinton Dental Centre on Facebook to keep up with things happening in our practice that effect you and your family’s oral health and wellness!
- Dr. Jules Litwin
For more information, visit us at http://www.wedental.ca.
When Should a Child Start Using Toothpaste?
Thursday, August 12, 2010

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