Get started with good oral hygiene as soon as the first tooth has appeared.
Brush your baby’s teeth two times a day using a small brush with soft bristles and a hint of toothpaste.
Some types of toothpaste are specially designed with flavors for children, since they usually don’t like minty toothpaste.
The child’s toothbrush should be replaced when the bristles are bent. Also, since microorganisms can lodge deep in the bristles, a contaminated toothbrush should be changed. For example replace the toothbrush if the child has had a high fever, a contagious disease or if the toothbrush was used by another child.
A child’s diet greatly influences the formation of permanent teeth, which are already being developed under the gums. Avoid sugary drinks and limit the amount of juice as it creates an acidic environment, conducive to tooth decay.If your child requires medication, it is best to rinse the mouth and brush teeth after taking them. That is because most children’s medicines have a high sugar content.”
Correct Toothpaste Usage for the Whole Family
The correct amount of toothpaste to use is similar for all toothpaste brands. It depends on the age of the person. From the appearance of a babies’ first tooth, a tiny amount of flavored toothpaste can be used twice daily. The amount must not exceed the size of a grain of rice. Starting at 3 years of age, a child may an amount of toothpaste about the size of a small pea. Adolescents and adults can use around 1 cm (half an inch) of toothpaste or less.
When brushing a small child’s teeth, spread the toothpaste slowly on all the teeth and then carefully brush all surfaces. The supervision of a parent is required at least until the age of 6, to ensure that the child does not swallow the toothpaste and rinses it properly from his mouth. Some toothpastes containing therapeutic agents should not be used by children under 12 years of age. All toothpastes should be kept out of the reach of children.