If you’re a young parent, then a common question heard in your
house is “When should I start to brush my child’s teeth?”
At the first sight of
teeth, they should be cleaned. By starting early, a baby becomes
accustomed to the daily routine, not only of dental hygiene,
but of daily life. You can substitute a soft washcloth wrapped
around your forefinger for a brush at this point. You ought
to ask your dentist for an estimation of when your baby’s teeth
might benefit from brush cleanings. There are dentists that
suggest waiting until four teeth have emerged in a row, while
others recommend waiting until the child is 2 or 3 years old.
When considering the
brushing of teeth with respect to children, it’s a good idea
to choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush, soaking
the brush in warm water for a few minutes before brushing, so
that the bristles can soften even more. Many dentists recommend
that you use only plain water for brushing up to the age of
2, mainly because young children are likely to swallow toothpaste,
and swallowing too much fluoride can lead to tooth discoloration
in permanent teeth. It’s worth the time to ask your dentist
if toothpaste should be used. Also, check the manufacturer’s
label; some kinds of toothpaste just aren’t recommended for
children under age 6. If you’re going with toothpaste, squeeze
out a little dab of fluoride toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
Brush your child’s teeth
twice a day — in the morning and just before bed. Spend two
minutes brushing, concentrating a good portion of this time
on the back molars. This is an area where cavities often first
develop. Replace the toothbrush every three or four months or
even sooner if it shows signs of wear. Never share toothbrushes
between children. Ask your dentist about your child’s fluoride
needs. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplements
or fluoride treatments may be needed. Ask your dentist about
dental sealants, which are thin, plastic protective barriers
that fill in the chewing surfaces of the teeth, protecting them
from tooth decay. Specific instructions for brushing and flossing
in both children and adults are often provided in dentists’
offices.
So now you’re probably
thinking, “At what age can children begin to brush and floss
their teeth on their own?” The fact is that m ost children lack
the coordination to brush or floss their teeth on their own
until about the age of 6 or 7. Until that time, the best way
to teach a child how to brush their teeth is to lead by example:
allowing your child to watch you brush your teeth teaches him
or her the importance of good oral hygiene. And also, not only
does this set a good example; it’s also a good oral hygiene
practice. By reducing your own oral bacterial count, parents
reduce the risk of passing cavity-causing bacteria on to their
child.
Do home faucet filters
filter out fluoride? There is a wide variation in water filters.
Some do filter out fluoride; others don’t. You can check with
the manufacturer of the filter that you purchased or you can
have the water tested by an appropriate laboratory.
Does it matter what toothpaste
my child uses? Many children’s toothpastes are flavored with
child-pleasing tastes to further encourage brushing. Select
your child’s favorite. Also, look for toothpastes that carry
the Australian Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. This
indicates that the toothpaste met ADA criteria for safety and
effectiveness. Finally, read the manufacturer’s label. Some
kinds of toothpaste are not recommended for children under a
certain age.
Is it okay for my child
to use a mouthwash? Generally, mouthwashes are not recommended
for children who are incapable of spitting and rinsing — skills
that occur around the age of six. Remember, mouthwashes are
not a substitute for brushing. Mouthwashes don’t help the teeth
get clean.
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