As soon as your child has their first tooth pop out, it should start to be cleaned. Brushing your kid’s teeth can be complicated and sometimes overwhelming. Establishing a good oral hygiene routine with them is essential to their overall health as they grow up.

Why Healthy Teeth are Important

Healthy teeth for your children are important for a variety of reasons. For children, having strong and healthy teeth will help them chew and eat their food to help them grow. Teeth will also help children speak clearly. Taking care of your child’s teeth will help prevent plaque and bacteria which sticks onto their teeth. When your child eats or drinks anything, the plaque and bacteria go crazy over anything that could be left on the teeth. As this happens, the enamel starts to wear down and the enamel is what protects your teeth against decay and cavities. Plaque can also cause gingivitis, which is gum disease.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Child’s Teeth:

• Make sure you chose a child-size brush for your child. If they complain about the bristles hurting then you can soak the bristles in warm water to further soften them.
• As soon as your baby’s first tooth comes in, you can use a grain of rice size of fluoride toothpaste. Once they are brushing their teeth with a toothbrush you can use a pea size of fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush their teeth twice a day in the morning and before bedtime. This will make it a habit for them and they will more than likely continue this when they are brushing their own teeth. Make sure you/them are brushing the back molars even if they are hard to get to.
• When your child has two or more teeth that touch, you should start to floss. You can use the floss sticks if that’s easier and more fun for your child.

When Should your Child Brush/Floss on Their Own?

Most children lack the coordination to brush or floss on their own until they’re about 6 or 7 years old. If your child insists on doing it by themselves before then, you can go over their teeth to ensure that the teeth are being thoroughly cleaned. One of the most effective ways of showing your child good oral hygiene is for them to watch you brush and floss your teeth daily.

Keeping Teeth Healthy

It’s important to bring your child in to see the dentist twice a year. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral health or how to help them develop better brushing habits ask us at your next appointment. At Paradise Dental, we want your child to love coming to the dentist and taking care of their teeth. To schedule an appointment for you or your child at our dental office in Salem, MA, you can contact us online or call us at 781-780-2246.