Tooth decay and gum disease prevention in children is just as important as it is for adults. Caring for their teeth and gums early on their life can assure the greatest likelihood of oral health care success later on down the road. Teaching them at a young age how to properly brush and floss is vital in ensuring they understand its importance early on. Listed below are some helpful guidelines to help you begin:
What are some helpful tips to stop tooth decay in children?
– Never share eating utensils between yourself and a child, because bacteria that can damage their teeth and gums can easily be transmitted to them. Also, never let a young child eat sugary substances. For children under three years of age, use a rice-sized portion of toothpaste, and for children over three, a pea-sized portion will suffice.
At what age should you begin flossing a child’s teeth?
– A parent should begin to floss their child’s teeth whenever two teeth grow in next to each other.
When should children begin brushing on their own?
– A child should not be rushed to brush on their own until their caretaker believes that they can do so safely and effectively, which includes not eating any toothpaste.
TRUE or FALSE: Babies need to have their teeth brushed.
– This is true. Around six months of age, a child’s first tooth will break above the surface of the gums. As soon as any teeth are exposed, they must be cared for.
Always use toothpaste for the child that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance or is recommend by their dentist at Pamela Crumrine DDS. Be sure to visit Dr. Pam Crumrine and our team before they are one year of age for an oral examination. Our dentist office is located in Beaver, Pennsylvania. To schedule a visit, please call us at 724-775-4860. We are here to help you get your smiles on track!
