Oral Hygiene

Partnering with Parents for Healthy Habits

At Nurture Kids Dentistry, we know that what happens at home is just as important as what happens in our office. While we clean your child’s teeth twice a year, you and your child care for them the other 363 days!

We are here to be your coaches. We don't just say "brush better"—we give you the practical tools, techniques, and encouragement to make daily hygiene a stress-free part of your routine.

Infants (0-12 Months)

• Before Teeth: Clean gums with a soft, damp washcloth after feedings. This removes bacteria and gets your baby used to having their mouth cleaned.
• First Tooth: Switch to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a "smear" (grain of rice size) of fluoride toothpaste.

Toddlers & Preschoolers (1-5 Years)

• The "Smear" to "Pea": Once your child turns 3, you can increase the toothpaste amount to a pea-sized dollop.
• Assisted Brushing: Children this age lack the manual dexterity to clean effectively. You should brush for them twice a day, especially before bed.
• Make it Fun: Use sticker charts, musical toothbrushes, or let them brush your teeth first to make it a game.

School-Age Children (6+ Years)

• Supervision is Key: A good rule of thumb is that if a child cannot tie their own shoes or cut their own meat, they aren't ready to brush alone. Continue supervising night-time brushing until around age 8.
• Flossing: Once teeth touch each other, a toothbrush bristle can no longer reach between them. This is when flossing must begin to prevent cavities between the teeth (interproximal decay).

The Role of Diet

It’s Not Just Sugar—It’s Frequency Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth use sugar to create acid, which eats away at enamel. Saliva acts as a natural buffer to wash this acid away, but it takes time.

• Grazing vs. Meals: If your child snacks constantly throughout the day (even on things like crackers or fruit snacks), their teeth are under constant acid attack.
• The "Water Only" Rule: Between meals, water is the best drink. Juice, soda, and even milk contain sugars that can cause damage if sipped over long periods.

Tools of the Trade

• Electric Toothbrushes: We highly recommend them! The vibration helps break up plaque more effectively than manual brushing, and built-in timers ensure kids brush for the full two minutes.
• Floss Picks: Traditional string floss can be tricky for little fingers. Y-shaped floss picks are great for helping kids learn independence.