Research shows that one in four children will have at least one cavity before the age of four. Here are five tips to help your kids’ teeth and gums stay healthy.
- Keep your baby’s mouth clean: Even before your baby’s teeth erupt, it is still important to keep their mouth and gums clean. Simply run a damp cloth gently over their gums daily to help clear away bacteria.
- First toothbrush: Once your child’s teeth start erupting you can give him a soft-bristle toothbrush without toothpaste to practice brushing.
- First dentist visit: Be sure to take your child to their first dental visit before their first birthday.
- Start using toothpaste at the age of two: Adult toothpaste has fluoride which, if ingested by a toddler can cause white and brown stains on their teeth. Most kids can spit while brushing around the age of two. So it is important to use a fluoride free or an age adjusted toothpaste in a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to avoid fluorosis.
- Use the 2-2-2 Rule: Have your child them brush and floss his teeth twice a day, for two whole minutes and bring them twice a year to a dental exam.
Teaching good dental hygiene early on, can set up your child for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, and save you time and money in the long run. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have more questions about your child’s oral hygiene or to make an appointment to see Dr. Kaufman Daniel at Tooronga Family Dentistry .