Oral hygiene is an important part of caring for your child's health. Even though your child's baby teeth will eventually fall out, it is important to establish good oral hygiene habits while your child is young. According to the Healthy Children website, your child will have all his baby teeth by about age 2 1/2. Proper tooth care begins with you, because you have the power to teach your child the importance of caring for his teeth as well as how to maintain a healthy smile.
Step 1
Brush your child's teeth. Place a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your child's toothbrush. Clean each tooth by gently scrubbing the front and back of each visible tooth surface. Brush twice a day to help remove cavity causing plaque build-up, recommends Healthy Children.
Step 2
Floss between the teeth once a day. Use a piece of floss, place it gently between any teeth that touch, and slowly move the floss back and forth a few times.
Step 3
Examine your child's teeth after brushing. Brush areas that still have visible food a second time. Check for discoloration or staining, because spots can signal early tooth decay.
Step 4
Schedule an appointment with a dentist. A dentist will examine your child's mouth and brush his teeth. The dentist may also apply a topical fluoride treatment to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Ask your dentist any questions about tooth care. He will be able to guide you in the proper care of your child's teeth.
Step 5
Feed your child healthy foods. Giving your child foods high in sugar, such as candy and soda, will cause deposits to stick to his teeth, which can lead to cavities, says Healthy Children. Choose healthier foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If your child does have a sugary snack or drink, brush his teeth immediately afterward to prevent the sugar from staying on his teeth.
Tips and Warnings
- Choose a toothbrush that is designed for the age of your child. You can also choose floss that is designed for children. Sing a song or tell your child a story while brushing and flossing to help make the process fun. Schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist if possible. He will have child-sized instruments and will offer a fun atmosphere for your child.
- Do not allow your child to swallow toothpaste that contains fluoride. Baby and toddler toothpastes are often fluoride-free. Choose these if your child cannot spit toothpaste out. Fluoride can cause your child to get sick if he ingests too much. Monitor how much toothpaste he uses.
Things You'll Need
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Healthy foods
