EVERY PARENT KNOWS THAT TAKING CARE OF THE SMALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY IS A FULL-TIME JOB. Along with diaper changes, bath time, and medical checkups, parents also need to take care of their children’s teeth. But what are the best ways to go about caring for teeth (and baby gums!) during those early years? Here are some of Dr. Hines’ and Dr. Anderson’s thoughts on the matter… Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use? At our practice we believe, like most dentists, that oral care is important to everyone—no matter what their age. Dr. Hines and Dr. Anderson recommend starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a “smear” of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For the 2-5 year old, dispense a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s tooth-brushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively on their own until they are able to write in cursive. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing. What To Look For In A Children’s Toothpaste:
- FUN FLAVORS: Try some different flavors of toothpaste and see what your child likes. Some children—especially at the toddler stage—are very picky about flavors and might be reluctant to use a certain flavor of toothpaste. So be prepared to buy a few different varieties of children’s toothpaste and see which one is your child’s favorite.
REMEMBER: Brushing your child’s teeth is part of parenting, and you need to start at a young age. By taking the time each day—before bedtime and in the morning—to clean your child’s teeth with a specially formulated children’s toothpaste, you will be helping to create a lifetime of healthy dental habits and happy smiles! [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvyLAjSJhow&fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0] Don’t forget to come in for regular checkups and cleanings so that your children’s teeth stay healthy and strong! Set up an appointment with us through our contact page or by calling our practice at (614) 432-8185. And please join us on our Facebook Page and Twitter Account. It’s a great way to keep up with everything going on in our practice and we would love to stay connected with you there!