by Rashmi Patil Baby teeth are important
Most likely, all your child’s baby teeth will have come in by age 3. These teeth are very important. Taking care of their baby teeth helps the adult teeth come in healthier and stronger. Parents will need to help their child brush his or her teeth twice a day, both morning and night. Children cannot adequately brush their teeth alone until around age 9, parents should be involved in some way up until that age.
How to brush and floss
- Use a soft, age appropriate toothbrush.
- A small grain of rice sized smear of fluoride toothpaste is plenty for children up to age 3. Children 3 years and older can move up to a pea size amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
- Hold the toothbrush with the bristles pointed towards the gumline.
- Use short back and forth strokes.
- Brush the inside, outside, front, back, and top of each tooth.
- Don’t forget to brush the tongue.
- Help your child floss his/her teeth until they are old enough to do so themselves.
Fluoride
Fluoride is important to prevent cavities and make teeth stronger. Fluoride is in most toothpastes and added to community/public water supply. If your family drinks water that has been tested and does not contain fluoride, such as well water, ask your doctor or dentist about prescribing fluoride tablets at your next visit.
Low sugar snacks and drinks
Sweet, sugary foods and drinks are not good for teeth. Limit sweet treats such as candy, cake, cookies, ice cream and soda. Water is the best drink to consume daily.
Regular dental checkups
When your child is 1, its time to take him or her to the dentist. Regular checkups are vital for the overall health of your child.
By bringing your child to the dentist every 6 months, their baby teeth will be healthy and so will their adult teeth!
Building healthy teeth for the future begins now
- Brush and floss teeth daily.
- Ask your doctor or dentist about fluoride.
- DO NOT let your child have too much sugar.
