Baby teeth are very important since they help children chew food, speak clearly, and retain the space for the permanent teeth. If baby teeth aren’t cared for properly, they can break down and cause an abscess, cause a gum infection called gingivitis  or their loss can affect the spacing for the permanent teeth. It has been shown that children who learn to take care of their baby teeth tend to have good oral hygiene habits as adults.

You can start oral care as soon as the first couple of teeth come in by introducing a very soft baby toothbrush and allow your baby to watch and copy the way you brush. Initially you won’t need to use the brush to actually clean your baby’s teeth since his diet does not cause decay. However, if your toddler has eaten sticky, sugary foods, you should get rid of the residue by gently cleaning his or her teeth with a wet toothbrush and a pea size quantity of children’s toothpaste.

Which kind of toothpaste should my baby use?

There are 2 major differences between adult and baby toothpastes, the fluoride content and the taste. Since toddlers tend to swallow the toothpaste we need to use for children under 3 years of age a fluoride free toothpaste. Ingesting too much fluoride can result in brown tooth staining or surface irregularities called fluorosis, which weaken the teeth. As your child grows, you will find that the toothpastes for his age, will have increasing concentrations of fluoride to protect his teeth. Children 6 years and older, can start using adult toothpaste if they want.

The second difference is the taste. At times you may find that your baby resists brushing with toothpaste or resists brushing at all, a common reason is the taste. Adult toothpastes are predominantly mint flavoured, but young children find the mint taste too strong. This the reason there is a variety of flavors and consistencies for children’s toothpaste. By trying baby or children’s toothpastes of different flavours you can prevent the tooth brushing struggle.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Kaufman or to call today Tooronga Family Dentistry, phone number 98227006, for more information about how to care for your baby’s teeth,or make an appointment to have them examined.