Your child is getting their first tooth… what’s the next step? If you haven’t already done so, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends beginning to put a “pea-sized drop of toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush” around the child’s second birthday. However, this does not mean that you should make the child responsible for brushing quite yet. This is a wonderful age to begin teaching children about flossing and about proper brushing techniques, but you will still need to provide quite a bit of assistance. “Young children cannot get their teeth clean by themselves. Until they are 7 or 8 years old, you will need to help them brush. Try brushing their teeth first and then letting them finish.”
In addition, it is important to remember that certain foods and beverages contribute to tooth decay. Although it is common knowledge that pop (soda), juice, candy, and cookies have sugar, many people overlook the fact that even milk and formula can contribute to tooth decay. However, children need milk and/or formula to grow properly, so parents need to make sure “sugary liquids [do not] stay on … baby’s teeth too long” and awareness of bottles can be an important part of this. “Avoid putting him [or her] to bed with a bottle—at night or at nap time. (If you do put your baby to bed with a bottle, fill it only with water.)”
Before parents know it, the child who just started getting baby teeth will begin to lose them. “Children can start losing their baby teeth anywhere from about the age of 5 to about 7.” In addition to bringing a visit from the Tooth Fairy, this also means a child will soon have the first permanent teeth.
It is also important to remember that children may need occasional refresher courses about brushing their teeth. Check in while your child is brushing and make sure the technique and amount of time spent on the task are appropriate. Even children who have been brushing on their own for a few years may sometimes lapse. A new toothbrush or kid-friendly flavored toothpaste may do wonders for a child who has become less than enthusiastic about brushing.
If you need tips or advice on encouraging your child to brush, please feel free to contact Moore Family Dental. When you teach your child about brushing and flossing, you provide a foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth. Every time you see your child’s smile, you can celebrate the amazing journey from the very first tooth to the present.