Care of your Child's Teeth
Begin daily brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth erupts.
A pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to
swallow it. By age 4 or 5, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day
with supervision until about age seven to make sure they are doing a thorough job.
However, each child is different. Your dentist can help you determine whether the child
has the skill level to brush properly.
Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing
surfaces. When teaching children to brush, place toothbrush at a 45 degree angle;
start along gum line with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer
surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and
chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath
and remove bacteria.
Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush
can’t reach. Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch. You should
floss
the child’s teeth until he or she can do it alone. Use about 18 inches of floss,
winding most of it around the middle fingers of both hands. Hold the floss lightly between
the thumbs and forefingers. Use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between
the teeth. Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gum and
tooth until you feel resistance. Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth.
Repeat this procedure on each tooth. Don’t forget the backs of the last four teeth.
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