Your children's teeth might be small, but they are important. Following good dental practices as a child is the only way to ensure your children’s dental care routine lasts into their adult years. However, knowing exactly what to do sometimes can be difficult. Parents generally have lots of questions when it comes to their children's oral hygiene needs. Here are just some of the questions parents commonly have.
How should I brush my child's teeth?
Your child needs to brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and after dinner. Squirt a small amount of toothpaste onto a soft, children's toothbrush and begin brushing in a small circular pattern. Ensure that they are brushing the inside and outside surfaces thoroughly to dislodge any bacteria. Children 6 years and younger should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for supervised brushing to minimise swallowing. In case of intake of fluoride from other sources, consult a dentist or doctor. Rinse and spit out after use.
When should I take my child to the dentist?
Most experts recommend that you take your child to their first dental appointment just after their first birthday. If your child has passed this milestone and still hasn't had a dental appointment, it's a good idea to make an appointment soon. This will allow you to ensure that their teeth are developing properly and they have a clean dental bill-of-health.
When is it okay to let my child start brushing on their own?
Unfortunately, there is no set age when your child will have the skills to brush their teeth on their own. Each child is different. However, it's a good idea to allow your child to begin brushing their teeth as soon as they are willing. Of course, you'll want to stand by and watch to ensure they are doing it properly. As a good rule of measure, your child will probably need assistance brushing their teeth until they are around 6 years old or so.
What should I do if my child doesn't want to brush?
As a parent, you are well aware that it's hard to get your child to do anything they don't want to. If your child avoids brushing their teeth like the plague, get creative. Make brushing time more of an event than a duty. Let them know that children's dental practices can be fun. Consider making it a family practice, where you all do it together, or consider purchasing them a tooth brush with their favourite character on it.