Your child’s first tooth may start emerging at six months. Make sure they receive proper care right away by running a damp washcloth or infant toothbrush across their gums daily.
Make brushing enjoyable for them by playing their favorite song while setting a timer to help them understand how long they need to brush their teeth.
1. A Soft Toothbrush
Children should begin brushing their teeth as soon as the first tooth begins to erupt, with caregivers offering assistance until they reach an age where they can do an effective job on their own.
Soft bristle toothbrushes are ideal. Their stiff yet flexible bristles can dislodge debris stuck between teeth while not being so aggressive as to damage enamel when used correctly. Children’s toothbrushes should fit comfortably into their mouths and be easy for them to hold and manipulate; additionally, the head of their brush must reach back teeth without irritating gums.
When brushing, children should use a small smear of fluoridated toothpaste and be encouraged to spit out rather than swallow their toothpaste. They should also brush their tongue regularly in order to remove bacteria and freshen breath. Make it part of your daily routine by scheduling time each day for brushing and flossing; visual aids like calendars or whiteboards may help reminding your children when its time for their next visit to the dentist!
2. Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a mineral with proven clinical benefits to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Furthermore, fluoride reverses early tooth decay as well as promote remineralization – decreasing acid that attacks the outer surfaces of children’s teeth – thus strengthening overall oral health and protecting future development.
Fluoride occurs naturally in water, soil and air and many public water supplies add fluoride to reduce tooth decay in children, while many toothpaste brands contain fluoride as well. The American Dental Association recommends using toothpaste with fluoride for both children and adults when used according to instructions; when done so safely and effectively.
Fluorosis occurs when too much fluoride accumulates on teeth, discoloration of which is known as fluorosis. Usually this affects children who are developing adult teeth and swallow too much toothpaste during brushing sessions; to protect your children it would be wise to watch and monitor when brushing to ensure no swallowed toothpaste escapes their mouths. Therefore it would be beneficial for parents and guardians to supervise when their children brush so they do not swallow any.
3. Water
Water should play an essential part of your child’s oral care routine. It helps produce saliva that protects teeth and gums by washing away food debris, helping balance pH levels in the mouth, neutralizing acid that damages enamel, strengthening teeth and helping prevent tooth decay. Saliva contains calcium, proteins and minerals which strengthen teeth while strengthening against cavities.
Water should be their go-to beverage during meal times and snack times; any sugary drinks such as soda and juice should only be enjoyed occasionally. Although mealtime sippy cups of milk or 100% fruit juice may be permitted, children should drink water between meals and during snack time as this will provide optimal hydration levels.
At age 1, transitioning children off bottles is an essential component of good oral health, along with encouraging them to drink water when thirsty throughout the day. Fluoridated water helps strengthen teeth against tooth decay – so check your local water provider to make sure their tap contains it!
4. Snacks
Snacks that are crunchy and low in sugar help promote teeth cleaning between brushing. Fruits rich in fiber (such as apples) serve as natural toothbrushes when chewed; crunchy vegetables such as celery and carrots also stimulate saliva production while being low in sugar content; these fruits as well as others like berries, bananas and kiwis contain important vitamins and minerals? but be careful of dried fruits which contain large quantities of sugar!
Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and some yogurts, can erode tooth enamel and cause mouth sores, so try to limit their consumption between meals or make them an occasional treat.
Encourage kids to drink fluoridated water, which helps flush away food debris. Avoid soda, juice and milk as these contain high amounts of sugar. Teach your children to rinse with water after each meal and before bed. Make regular visits tо a Vaughan dental office sо you can monitor their oral health and growth.
