my daughter has four teeth on the upper side and two lower. when should she start brushing her teeth?

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Accepted Answer

You should start brushing your daughter's teeth as soon as the first teeth emerge. Here are some guidelines for starting oral care for your child:

### **When to Start Brushing:**
- **First Teeth:** Begin brushing when the first teeth appear, even if it's just a few teeth. For your daughter, since she has six teeth now, it's a good time to start.

### **Brushing Guidelines:**
1. **Toothbrush Choice:**
   - **Size:** Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants or toddlers. The brush should have a small head and soft bristles to gently clean their teeth and gums.
   - **Bristles:** Soft bristles are important to avoid damaging your child’s delicate gums.

2. **Toothpaste:**
   - **Amount:** Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). For infants and toddlers, fluoride helps in preventing cavities, but too much fluoride can be harmful.
   - **Flavor:** Choose a toothpaste designed for children, which is usually flavored to be more appealing to them.

3. **Brushing Technique:**
   - **Gentle Cleaning:** Brush your child's teeth gently twice a day—once in the morning and once before bedtime. Use a circular motion to clean all surfaces of the teeth and along the gumline.
   - **Supervision:** Always supervise your child during brushing to ensure it’s done properly and safely.

4. **Routine:**
   - **Consistency:** Establish a regular brushing routine to help your child get used to the habit. Make it a part of their daily routine, ideally in the morning and before bedtime.

5. **Early Dental Visits:**
   - **First Check-up:** Schedule a visit to a pediatric dentist by your child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Regular dental check-ups are important for monitoring dental health and development.

Starting early with good oral hygiene habits sets the foundation for lifelong dental health. If you have any concerns or questions, your pediatric dentist can offer personalized advice and guidance.