Children and the Dentist
Some people aren’t sure of when a dentist should become part of their child’s routine. Here are a few facts about children and the dentist.
- Even before your baby starts teething, run a clean, damp washcloth over the gums. This will help get rid of bacteria that can be harmful.
- · Once your baby gets teeth, brush them with an infant toothbrush. Use water and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste, about as small as a piece of rice. If you are using baby toothpaste without the fluoride, keep it to the same amount because you still want make sure that only a minimal amount is swallowed.
- ·Once your baby’s teeth touch, you can begin flossing in the gaps between them.
- · Around age 2, your child should learn to spit while brushing. Try not to give your child water to swish and spit because this might make swallowing toothpaste happen more.
- · Kids ages 3 and up should use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- · Always supervise kids younger than 6 while brushing their teeth, because they are more likely to swallow toothpaste