The American Dental Association recommends you "begin brushing your child’s teeth with a little water as soon as the first tooth appears. If you are considering using toothpaste before the child is 2 years of age, ask your dentist or physician first. "
It is important to begin the care of your baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears as these "baby" teeth are setting the stage for your child's permanent teeth. Taking care of baby and toddler teeth and gums will ensure that your child retains a bright smile and healthy gums in the future!
Katie L. Dawson, president of the American Dental Hygienists' Association, and a dental hygienist in Oakland, Calif. says that "Baby teeth direct the permanent teeth that are developing underneath. Failure to keep them healthy can lead to expensive orthodontia work later in childhood."
Parents should clean their baby and toddler's teeth with a child-sized toothbrush and a little water, according to the American Dental Association. You may also use a simple wash cloth with clean water to rub and massage the gums as well.
Once your baby has reached the age of 2 yeas old, you may then begin to use a very small, pea-sized, amount of fluoride toothpaste. It is most important that your child be able to spit out the toothpaste and not swallow it! Your baby or toddler may develop fluorosis if too much flouride toothpaste is swallowed. Fluorosis is a condition whereby white spots occur on your child's permanent teeth due to too much flouride.
Try to should establish a routine of washing your baby's gums after a solid food feeding or using a soft toothbrush for your toddler after each meal. This will help your child become accustomed to the feel of a foreign object on the gumline as well as help establish good teeth cleaning habits. You may use a soft damp washcloth, as mentioned above, or a tooth cleaning kit such as Comfort Care Gum and Toothbrush Set made by The First Years.
The folks at Orajel offer the following tips:
- Select a Toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Hold the Toothbrush at a 45 degree angle along the gumline. Then gently move back and forth, using short strokes. Brush the outer surfaces, the inside and the chewing surfaces. For the inside of the front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use up and down strokes.
- You'll need to do most of the brushing since it takes a number of years before a child has the coordination to do it alone.
- Encourage your toddler to brush their teeth twice a day.
- Make brushing fun - let your toddler pick out a colorful toothbrush of their choice.
- Sing a song while your toddler brushes; when the song is over, it's time to rinse.
- If your toddler refuses to brush, don't force the issue. Make sure they drink plenty of water after meals. On your next shopping trip, see if a character toothbrush or Orajel Toddler Training Toothpaste with Little Bear will change their mind.
- Bring a friend - kids might want to invite a favorite stuffed animal (maybe even Little Bear) into the bathroom to watch as they brush.
- Kids love to imitate others, so let your child watch you brush your teeth. If you think it's fun, they will too
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