It is common for many to question the importance of brushing teeth in young children. Many have the misconception that the baby teeth will eventually drop, so parents do not pay much attention. In fact, parents ought to cultivate a habit of brushing with the child when the first tooth emerges.
Selection of a kid toothbrush
We always encourage parents to select toothbrushes with their child’s favorite cartoon characters on it. It helps to entice children to brush their teeth. The choice of bristles should be soft. The soft bristles are able to brush gently on the gums and their baby teeth.
It is common for toddlers to start munching and chewing on their toothbrushes. Parents should not feel stressed over it. Through the munching and chewing process, the bristles are actually cleaning the baby teeth. Parents just need to replace the toothbrushes more often.
Selection of toothpaste is equally important.
There is no problem with the usage of fluoride toothpaste. The issue only comes when young kids swallow them. When young children may not know how to spit out the toothpaste, it is advisable not to use toothpaste containing fluoride. Swallowing excessive toothpaste with fluoride may affect the adult teeth in the future.
Parents should only introduce toothpaste with fluoride when the child learns how to spit it out.
Dr Gordon recommends mint taste toothpaste for children when they had just converted to using fluoride toothpaste. This will encourage the child not to swallow the toothpaste.
Create a habit of brushing
To cultivate a habit of proper brushing is vital. Parents get to introduce the importance of maintaining good oral health and habits since young. Prevention is always better than cure. With good oral habits, it can help prevent possible decay.
Premature loss of baby teeth leads to the following
Apart from encouraging proper brushing and good oral habits, we are here to help you to maintain oral hygiene with the professional routine dental checks for your child and family.
For more information and consultation, please contact Smile Design Dental Practice at +65 6463 8588.
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