Remove the bacteria from their gums at least once a day by gently rubbing a clean, soft, moist gauze wrapped around your finger or with a terry-cloth finger cot.
6 months to 1 year:
You will notice the eruption of teeth. Start gentle, twice-daily cleanings with a baby toothbrush and toothpaste (size of a grain of rice), and set up the first dental visit. Give them water only in nighttime bottles and sippy cups to avoid tooth decay.
2 to 3 years:
Kids may be more independent and want to brush on their own but lack the manual dexterity to hold the brush effectively. You must continue to be hands-on with their oral care. Increase the toothpaste amount to pea-sized, and teach them to spit. Show them the value of proper dental cleaning and regular dentist visits.
4 to 5 years:
Keep up the oral hygiene routines of brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. Continue to help them, but show them how to do those activities correctly.
6 to 8 years:
By this time, your kids should be able to do many of these tasks on their own. Monitor them regularly and help when necessary, especially with flossing.
9 years:
They should be able to handle all these tasks on their own.