An A-to-Z guide to caring for the first teeth
The health of our family and our children always comes first for us. Proper oral hygiene is one of the key areas of care for the littlest ones. Many parents, however, ask fundamental questions: When should you start brushing children's teeth? Which first children's toothbrush should you choose, and which children's toothpaste is safe for infants and toddlers?
In this article, as experts in modern dentistry, we bring you a comprehensive overview that will help you build healthy habits in children from an early age.
When to start brushing children's teeth?
The answer is simple: we begin oral hygiene even before the first tooth erupts, or at the latest when it appears. The first baby teeth usually begin to erupt around the sixth month of age. Even though these teeth eventually fall out, their health has a fundamental impact on the development of the permanent dentition, correct pronunciation, and the overall development of the child.
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Before eruption
You can gently wipe your baby's gums with a moistened gauze or a special silicone finger cover. This removes milk residue and massages the gums, which relieves the pain of teething. -
After the first tooth erupts
As soon as the first tooth appears in the mouth, it is time for regular brushing — twice a day, in the morning and in the evening before bed.
Which toothbrush and toothpaste to start with?
The right tools are the foundation of success. A child's oral cavity requires the utmost gentleness and a safe environment.
The first toothbrush
When choosing, focus on models designed exclusively for the youngest age group. The first children's toothbrush should meet the following criteria:
- A very small head that fits easily into the child's mouth and reaches all tooth surfaces.
- Dense and very soft (soft / ultra soft) bristles that reliably remove dental plaque and do not injure the sensitive gums.
- An ergonomic, non-slip handle that is easy for parents — and later the child — to hold.
Children's toothpaste
For the youngest children, choose exclusively pastes labelled by age (usually 0–2 years). These pastes have an adjusted amount of fluoride that meets safe standards in case the child swallows part of the paste. For infants, it is enough to apply only a tiny amount to the brush — the equivalent of a single grain of rice.
Professional dental hygiene is the foundation of a long-term healthy smile, so do not hesitate to consult a specialist about the correct amount of paste.
The first dental visit — building trust without fear
The ideal time for the first visit to the dentist's office is around the child's first birthday, or when the first baby teeth erupt. The goal of this visit is not a complicated procedure, but familiarising the child with the new environment and the doctor.
At Bulovka Premium Clinic we know that paediatric dentistry requires specific skills, exceptional empathy, and plenty of time. We give our smallest patients the utmost attention, not only in terms of expertise but above all in terms of a human approach. We ensure a safe environment, calm communication, and a friendly atmosphere. Our main goal is for children to feel safe and to leave with a positive experience. Thanks to this sensitive approach, we successfully prevent the development of a fear of treatment.
How to teach a child the right habits?
Brushing teeth should not be a stressful chore for a child, but a natural part of the day. Set an example for your children and brush your teeth together. You can use various motivational rhymes, an hourglass, or fun apps. Remember, however, that parents should finish brushing children's teeth until the age of 10 to 12, until the child has developed sufficient fine motor skills for perfect brushing technique.
Care for your child's smile at Bulovka Premium Clinic
We are a modern clinic with three branches in Prague that combine top expertise, a gentle approach, and the latest technology to provide you with comprehensive care in a broader context. We offer a wide range of health services that cover the needs of your entire family.
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Specialisation in paediatric dentistry
Our clinics consistently receive very positive reviews from our patients, which confirms the high standard of care we provide. We particularly value the trust of parents, thanks to which we have become a sought-after centre precisely in the field of paediatric dentistry. -
Saving your time
We offer the option to book the child and the parents for a single joint appointment, which effectively saves the customer's time and makes logistics easier for the whole family. -
Modern facilities in Prague
Our specialists work at three branches in Prague — in Bulovka, Chodov, and Pankrác. Our new clinic in Pankrác is, moreover, directly focused on paediatric dentistry and offers a fully equipped children's corner in the waiting room for the maximum comfort of your children. -
Accessibility for everyone
In dentistry and dental hygiene we cooperate with all health insurance companies operating in the Czech Republic (specifically 111, 201, 205, 207, 209, 211, and 213), thanks to which our top care is fully accessible to a wide range of patients. Physiotherapy is paid in full by the client.
