After each feeding, clean the baby’s gums with a clean wet gauze pad or washcloth. Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age. When teeth start to appear, brush them with a child’s size toothbrush and plain water.
Start dental visits by the child’s first birthday. Make dental visits every 6 months. If you think your child has dental problems, take the child to the dentist as soon as possible. Brush teeth of children over age two with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (when brushing, children should be supervised) and make sure to floss daily. Look for toothpastes that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
By age six or seven, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day but often require supervision until about age 10 or 11, to make sure they are doing a thorough job. Ask the dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
Start dental visits by the child’s first birthday. Make dental visits every 6 months. If you think your child has dental problems, take the child to the dentist as soon as possible. Adolescents may need reminders about practicing good oral hygiene, the importance of regular dental check ups and making nutritious food and beverage choices.
