Health experts have ramped up efforts over the years to promote the connection between oral health and our overall well-being. We know, too, the importance of developing good dental habits early in life. That’s why February – designated National Children’s Dental Health Month by the American Dental Association – is an ideal time to remind parents and child caregivers of the importance to helping children get an early start to dental health. Research shows that children with good oral health even perform better in school!

Part of this is learning which products and tools are safe and appropriate at various ages, which isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Do adult dental products transfer easily to children? At what age can your child use an electric toothbrush? What’s the difference between adult toothpaste and those marketed for children – and are they necessary?

Tools for the infant? Yes! Wiping your baby’s toothless gums with a clean cloth is a good first step to ongoing oral health. In addition to keeping their gums and mouth clean and removing milk buildup, it gets the baby used to the sensation and promotes feeding skills by stimulating tongue movement. You can also purchase “finger slips” that are mildly abrasive for gentle but effective wiping. Once that first tooth erupts, you can use a toothbrush and a small amount – about the size of a grain of rice – of fluoridated toothpaste.

Do you need specially made children’s products? Adult toothpaste was made for adults who know better than to swallow it. Many adult toothpastes you see in grocery stores and pharmacies contain additives and abrasives that aren’t appropriate for children. Child-friendly toothpastes typically have a milder taste and don’t contain any additives except for fluoride. Still, kids ages 3-6 only need a pea-sized amount. Generally speaking, adults or older children should apply the toothpaste until kids are old enough to control the amount themselves. A typical rule of thumb is that when children can tie their shoes, they can apply their own toothpaste.

And what about those children’s toothbrushes? Are they a gimmick, or a necessity? Well, they may not be a necessity, but the smaller size and easy-to-grip handle can make it easier and more enjoyable for children to manipulate. Softer bristles also provide a more gentle sensation than stiffer bristles. At about age six you can try an electric toothbrush. Today’s models often boast popular superheroes or other figures that appeal to children and make brushing fun!

Floss like a boss. You should start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two touching teeth. Prepare to floss for them until around age 8. Your child’s dental staff can help teach both you and your child how to correctly floss children’s teeth, how long to do it each time for each child, and what flossing products are best suited for your child’s teeth.

By getting an early start on oral health, children are more likely to normalize dental care as just another piece of overall health care. Our mouths are entry points to digestive and respiratory tracts and proper care now can avoid more serious overall health problems later in life.