Brushing and Flossing
-As a parent you should begin cleaning your childs teeth as soon as they get them. After feedings use a moist gauze pad or washcloth to clean teeth. Start using a toothbrush as soon as your child is comfortable with one. When your child is comfortable with a toothbrush, you should brush their teeth twice a day with an extra-soft toothbrush. You can use a pea sized amount of toothpaste or just brush without paste. Floss their teeth gently, especially between teeth.
-As a parent you should begin cleaning your childs teeth as soon as they get them. After feedings use a moist gauze pad or washcloth to clean teeth. Start using a toothbrush as soon as your child is comfortable with one. When your child is comfortable with a toothbrush, you should brush their teeth twice a day with an extra-soft toothbrush. You can use a pea sized amount of toothpaste or just brush without paste. Floss their teeth gently, especially between teeth.
You will want to help your child brush and floss until seven to ten years old. Make sure they are able to keep plaque off the teeth. Check occasionally to see that your child is doing a good job.
Flouride-
Flouride is effective in preventing decay.
Make sure there is not already flouride in the water where you live. This will determine how much more, if any, the dentist feels that your child needs. The dentist can write a prescription for flouride tablets or liquid that can be taken everyday.
Baby bottles-
Baby bottles can cause serious dental problems for young children. Problems can be caused by the constant presence of milk, formula, or fruit juice in a childs mouth during the times when these fluids are present in the childs mouth for extended periods of time. You can also use water in the bottle in between feedings
to help prevent this serious decay.
One more thing. Children love to imitate and watch their parents. When they see you brushing and flossing, they will want to do it too. Regular dental visits by parents helps the children see the importance of check-ups. Be a good example to your children and take care of your teeth and mouth.
Flouride-
Flouride is effective in preventing decay.
Make sure there is not already flouride in the water where you live. This will determine how much more, if any, the dentist feels that your child needs. The dentist can write a prescription for flouride tablets or liquid that can be taken everyday.
Baby bottles-
Baby bottles can cause serious dental problems for young children. Problems can be caused by the constant presence of milk, formula, or fruit juice in a childs mouth during the times when these fluids are present in the childs mouth for extended periods of time. You can also use water in the bottle in between feedings
to help prevent this serious decay.
One more thing. Children love to imitate and watch their parents. When they see you brushing and flossing, they will want to do it too. Regular dental visits by parents helps the children see the importance of check-ups. Be a good example to your children and take care of your teeth and mouth.
