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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Oral Hygiene and Prevention
How Should I Care for My Child's Teeth?
Did you know that your baby's teeth had already begun to form before he/she was even born?
How exciting! All twenty primary or baby teeth are present in your baby's jaws at birth. The lower two front teeth are most likely to be the first to erupt into your baby's mouth at around six months. Do not be alarmed or concerned if your baby is a little earlier or later than some of his/her peers.
By age 3, all of your child's twenty primary teeth should be present.
Begin daily brushing as soon as your child’s first tooth appears!
Your baby's teeth and gums should be cleaned with a soft, wet gauze pad or wash cloth after each night time nursing or use of the bottle. A soft bristled toothbrush with a very small head, preferably one designed especially for infants, should be used at bedtime as your child gets older. A pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used after your child is old enough not to swallow it. We ask our parents to help with at least one brushing a day until age six, and then supervise brushing until your child learns to do a thorough job, around 7-10 years of age. Proper brushing of your child's teeth removes plaque from the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of his/her teeth.
How To Brush
Illustrations and Instructions © 2006 P&G
Electric or battery powered toothbrushes are very popular
now with
children. Many manufacturers make very inexpensive and very
effective toothbrushes that make taking care of your child's teeth
alot of fun.
Some adult electric toothbrushes such as the SoniCare brand are much too intense for young children to use. Our office recommends the disposable battery powered toothbrushes designed specifically for use by children. In our opinion, any of the brands designed specifically for children will work just fine ... remember
the toothbrush that does the best job ...
is the one that makes it into your child's mouth
How To Floss
Illustrations and Instructions © 2006 P&G
Flossing removes the plaque
between your child's teeth where the bristles of the
toothbrush cannot reach. Help your child floss
until around the age of 10 or 11 or until he/she is able to floss
correctly by himself/herself. Floss between all
of your child's teeth, starting from the back and then coming forward. Use a
gentle, up and down movement between the gums and the sides of your
child's teeth. Disposable
flossers can be purchased at your local drug store.
If your child has gingivitis, his/her gums may bleed for the first week until the plaque layer is broken up, the bacteria are removed, and his/her gums heal. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums which is reversible by proper brushing and flossing.
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don't forget to floss the back sides of your child's last four teeth |
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rinsing with a mouth rinse is a great way to reduce plaque, to help keep your child's gums healthy, and to combat bad breath |
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you want to pick a mouth rinse for your child and yourself that you would like to use twice a day - in the morning and in the evening |
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when your child rinses, have him/her swish the rinse around in his/her mouth for about 30 seconds |
Remember, mouth rinses are not intended to replace brushing or flossing!
Rinsing with a mouth rinse is a great way for you and your child
to do even more to improve his/her oral health.
Disclaimer
Doctor Haeberlein, Dr. Wang and the other Doctors in the Discovery Dental Group make no warranties, expressed or implied, as to any results to be obtained from use of the information "What should I do in a Dental Emergency." We cannot diagnose or treat patients over the Internet. Information on this site is for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal, medical, and/or dental attention or diagnosis. Without all available information about a patient, it is impossible to make a diagnosis. Help and answers are in the form of general ideas. Only you, your dentist, and other necessary and qualified health care providers can make an appropriate treatment decision in an emergency or for everyday care and dental treatment
.
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