Brushing children's teeth is a habit that should start as soon as teeth begin to erupt. By starting early, you instill the routine of brushing daily. A soft washcloth wrapped around your finger is a good substitute for a brush as teeth first are coming through the gum tissue, and will acclimate your child to the idea of brushing. Be sure to ask your dentist when to begin brushing with a toothbrush. Following are some tips for taking care of your child's teeth:
- Choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush. Soaking the brush in warm water prior to brushing helps to soften the bristles even more.
- Brush your child's teeth twice a day - in the morning and just prior to bed. Spend 2 minutes brushing, concentrating a good portion of this time on the back molars. This is often the area where cavities will first develop.
- Replace the toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner, if it shows signs of wear. Never share a toothbrush with others.
- Start flossing your child's teeth once a day as soon as two erupted teeth touch together. The use of floss sticks or picks, instead of regular string floss, may be easier for both you and your child.
- Ask your dentist about whether your child needs fluoride treatment. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplements or treatment may be necessary.
- Ask your dentist about dental sealants, which are thin plastic coatings that cover the chewing surface of the back teeth, helping to protect from potential tooth decay.
Tooth brushing is a very important factor to one's overall health and well-being. If you have any questions or would like any tips, feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs team members.
