New parents often have questions regarding the care and management of their children’s teeth.  When should you start brushing? What kind of toothpaste is best? When should you go to the dentist? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you to keep your kids’ teeth healthy and cavity-free.

When should you start brushing?

It is generally agreed that you should clean your child’s teeth as soon as the first one appears. To begin with just use a flannel but as more teeth come through it is recommend you move to a soft children’s brush.

What kind of toothpaste is best?

Too much fluoride can cause specific problems for children and therefore your choice of toothpaste is important. Most brands of kids’ toothpaste contain fluoride so although they come in different flavors and feature popular characters which make them appear innocuous; you should be aware that it isn’t safe for children to swallow.

It is recommended that when using fluoride toothpaste, you only use a small, pea-size amount so that if your child does swallow it, he/she is unlikely to be in any danger. You should also encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste from as early an age as possible.

You may prefer to use non-fluoridated toothpaste until your child learns to spit it out.

When should you go to the dentist?

The timing of the first visit to our dental practice is a little controversial. The British Dental Association states that children should see a dentist when they get their first tooth and not later than one year of age.
However, an early visit to our practice is a good way to instil good oral hygiene practices from an early age. We cover the drawbacks of night-time bottles and cups of formula or juice; we discuss proper tooth brushing techniques, and we’ll offer dietary advice that promotes good dental health. We would also suggest you bring your child with you when you attend for a checkup because it will help him/her to become accustomed to visiting the dentist and will result in a more relaxed feeling in the future.

What about fissure sealants?

You should also talk with our team about using sealants for your school-age child. A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the teeth which hardens and provides a barrier against plaque and other harmful substances. Sealants can be applied to the 1st and 2nd permanent molars (and appropriate premolars as soon as possible after they erupt which is usually after 6 years of age), to help protect the grooves and pits which tend to be difficult to clean and are prone to developing cavities.

What about flossing?

Flossing is an important part of good dental hygiene. You can usually begin flossing when a child reaches three to four years of age but in all likelihood, they won’t be able to floss on their own until they are eight to ten years.

In addition to teaching your children the importance of regular brushing and flossing, routine visits to the dentist and a healthy diet, it is important that you set a good example by also practicing good dental hygiene. If you do not brush and floss each day or regularly see a dentist, then it is unlikely that your children will either.

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