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Dental
Health
When
To Start Taking Your Child To The Dentist
If you’re a young parent, then a common
question heard in your house is “When
should I start to brush my child’s teeth?”
At
the first sight of teeth, they should
be cleaned. By starting early, a baby
becomes accustomed to the daily routine,
not only of dental hygiene, but of daily
life. You can substitute a soft washcloth
wrapped around your forefinger for a
brush at this point. You ought to ask
your dentist for an estimation of when
your baby’s teeth might benefit from
brush cleanings. There are dentists
that suggest waiting until four teeth
have emerged in a row, while others
recommend waiting until the child is
2 or 3 years old.
When
considering the brushing of teeth with
respect to children, it’s a good idea
to choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled
toothbrush, soaking the brush in warm
water for a few minutes before brushing,
so that the bristles can soften even
more. Many dentists recommend that you
use only plain water for brushing up
to the age of 2, mainly because young
children are likely to swallow toothpaste,
and swallowing too much fluoride can
lead to tooth discoloration in permanent
teeth. It’s worth the time to ask your
dentist if toothpaste should be used.
Also, check the manufacturer’s label;
some kinds of toothpaste just aren’t
recommended for children under age 6.
If you’re going with toothpaste, squeeze
out a little dab of fluoride toothpaste
onto the toothbrush.
Brush
your child’s teeth twice a day — in
the morning and just before bed. Spend
two 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 three or four months or even sooner
if it shows signs of wear. Never share
toothbrushes between children. Ask your
dentist about your child’s fluoride
needs. If your drinking water is not
fluoridated, fluoride supplements or
fluoride treatments may be needed. Ask
your dentist about dental sealants,
which are thin, plastic protective barriers
that fill in the chewing surfaces of
the teeth, protecting them from tooth
decay. Specific instructions for brushing
and flossing in both children and adults
are often provided in dentists’ offices.
So
now you’re probably thinking, “At what
age can children begin to brush and
floss their teeth on their own?” The
fact is that m ost children lack the
coordination to brush or floss their
teeth on their own until about the age
of 6 or 7. Until that time, the best
way to teach a child how to brush their
teeth is to lead by example: allowing
your child to watch you brush your teeth
teaches him or her the importance of
good oral hygiene. And also, not only
does this set a good example; it’s also
a good oral hygiene practice. By reducing
your own oral bacterial count, parents
reduce the risk of passing cavity-causing
bacteria on to their child.
Do
home faucet filters filter out fluoride?
There is a wide variation in water filters.
Some do filter out fluoride; others
don’t. You can check with the manufacturer
of the filter that you purchased or
you can have the water tested by an
appropriate laboratory.
Does
it matter what toothpaste my child uses?
Many children’s toothpastes are flavored
with child-pleasing tastes to further
encourage brushing. Select your child’s
favorite. Also, look for toothpastes
that carry the Australian Dental Association’s
Seal of Acceptance. This indicates that
the toothpaste met ADA criteria for
safety and effectiveness. Finally, read
the manufacturer’s label. Some kinds
of toothpaste are not recommended for
children under a certain age.
Is
it okay for my child to use a mouthwash?
Generally, mouthwashes are not recommended
for children who are incapable of spitting
and rinsing — skills that occur around
the age of six. Remember, mouthwashes
are not a substitute for brushing. Mouthwashes
don’t help the teeth get clean.
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