CLEANING YOUR CHILD'S TEETH

A common question we hear at Castle Hill Family Dental Practice is when should I begin cleaning my child's teeth?

Once your child's teeth begin erupting, you can begin cleaning them by wiping them with a moist washcloth. As your child gets more teeth, you can begin to use a soft child's toothbrush. You should use just a pea-size amount of a fluoride toothpaste or a non-fluoride toothpaste (like Baby OraGel) until your child is able to spit it out (too much fluoride can stain their teeth).

Running a damp washcloth over your baby's gums following feedings can prevent build-up of damaging bacteria. Once your child has a few teeth showing, you can brush them with a soft child's toothbrush or rub them with gauze at the end of the day.

Regular dental checkups, a balanced diet, fluoride, injury prevention, habit control, and brushing and flossing are all important for healthy teeth.

Exploring good dental habits now with your children will help them grow up with happy and healthy smiles.