In children, teeth should be cleaned as soon as they emerge. By starting early, your baby gets used to the daily routine. A soft washcloth wrapped around your finger can substitute for a brush when teeth first appear. Dr. Budz recommends your child's first dental visit to be at age one. Speak to Dr. Budz about when you should switch to a toothbrush.
Here are some tips for taking care of your child’s teeth:
Choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush. Soaking the brush in warm water for a few minutes before brushing can soften the bristles even more.
Both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend using a grain of rice size amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as your baby's first tooth appears. You can graduate to a pea-sized amount when your child turns 3 years old.
Brush your child's teeth twice a day – in the morning and just before bed. Spend 2 minutes brushing, concentrating a good portion of this time on the back molars. This is an area where cavities often first develop.
Replace the toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, or sooner if it shows signs of wear. Never share a toothbrush with others.
Start flossing your child's teeth once a day as soon as two teeth that touch emerge. The use of floss sticks or picks instead of regular string floss may be easier for both you and your child.
Ask Dr. Budz about your child's fluoride needs. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplements or fluoride treatments may be needed.
Ask Dr. Budz about dental sealants. These are thin, plastic protective barriers that fill in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, protecting them from tooth decay.
Adult dental care will vary based on your individual needs. For optimal dental care, it is recommended that, at a minimum, you have your teeth cleaned and examined twice yearly.