How can I best care for my child’s teeth?
Good dental hygiene habits should begin before your child’s first tooth comes in. Wiping your baby’s gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria. When teeth appear, start using a soft children’s toothbrush twice a day.
Once your child is preschool-age, start using fluoride toothpaste. Don’t cover the brush with toothpaste; a pea-sized amount is just right (see picture above). Young children tend to swallow most of the toothpaste, and swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause permanent stains on their teeth. (more…)
Cavities are holes that form in the teeth, and can cause pain until they are filled by a dentist. For preventing cavities one should practice good oral hygiene, which means flossing each day, brushing at least twice daily and getting a professional teeth cleaning twice a year. If you want something sticky, sweet or chewy, eat it with other foods as part of a meal instead of alone. Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward.