As soon as teeth emerge, children should be having their teeth brushed. Your baby gets used to the daily routine by starting early. For babies, use a small soft-bristled brush or a soft washcloth to clean the teeth with just warm water. Discuss with your dentist when toothpaste should be introduced and training toothpaste until they are eventually using fluoride toothpaste. Today, we at Smile Reef would like to offer some tips and suggestions when it comes to brushing and flossing your children’s teeth.
Child Dental Care Tips
1) Select, a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to soak in warm water for a few moments prior to brushing to ensure the bristles are softened up more.
2) As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears, both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend using an amount of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice.
3) When your child turns three years old, you can graduate the amount to a pea-sized.
4) Your child’s teeth should be brushed two times a day, once in the morning and just before bed.
5) Cavities first develop on the back molars, so concentrate the brushing in that area but spend two minutes brushing the teeth overall.
6) Every 3-4 months replace the toothbrush or sooner if it displays signs of wear. Do not share the toothbrush with others.
7) As soon as two teeth emerge that touch, start flossing your child’s teeth. Use your preference of floss sticks or picks instead of the string as it will likely be easier on both you and our child.
8) After your child’s sixth birthday, introduce fluoride rinse for cavity prevention help, you can ask your dentist which the optimal choice is. Special needs children have a harder time with mouthwash and spitting; you can ask your dentist about fluoride supplements.
9) Once the permanent start coming through, you can talk to your dentist about sealants that will help protect the tooth from decay.
How Old Should a Child be to Brush Their Own Teeth?
To properly brush and floss teeth most children lack the coordination on their own until they are around six or seven and those with special needs may have gain more coordination before they can take over the reins on their own. Until then lead by example and let them watch your oral care regiment.
Best Toothpaste for Kids
It is safe for children to use fluoride, as it is a natural mineral that strengthens and protects teeth against forming potential cavities. Using it early can safely protect the teeth as they mature. With so many toothpastes on the market designed to motivate kids to brush, there are many flavors to chose from. Let your kids pick their favorites. Just look for toothpastes that carry the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This is an indication the it has met the ADA criteria for safety and efficiency. Read the label to see the recommended age. For children who are incapable of spitting, mouthwash is not recommended. By the time they are 6, most understand the spitting concept, but ensuring the older children are using mouthwash with fluoride will only help combat tooth decay and cavities with brushing and flossing.
Pediatric Dentistry
Within six months of your child’s first birthday is when experts recommend getting your child on schedule to see the dentist. With daily oral hygiene practices and schedules dental visits, your child’s teeth can be better preserved. Call Smile Reef today to schedule your child’s dental visit.
