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Toddler
Dental
The
ADA recommends parents take children to the dentist by the child's first
birthday. In addition to checking for decay and other possible problems,
the dentist will teach you how to properly clean your child's teeth
daily, evaluate any adverse habits such as thumb sucking, and identify
your child's fluoride needs. Begin brushing your child's teeth with
a little water as soon as the first tooth appears. If you are considering
using toothpaste before age two, ask your dentist or physician first.
Parents need to supervise tooth brushing to make sure children over
age two use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and avoid
swallowing the toothpaste. Children should be taught to spit out remaining
toothpaste and rinse with water after brushing. Most children will be
able to brush on their own by age six or seven. Parents should be using
floss or an interdental cleaner on their child's teeth as soon as any
two teeth touch. Cleaning between the teeth is important because it
removes plaque where a toothbrush can't reach. Brush your child's teeth
twice a day unless your dentist recommends otherwise.
Children should know that the dentist is a friendly doctor who will
help them take care of their teeth. Be positive and try to make dental
visits an enjoyable experience for your child. Set a good example by
brushing your own teeth twice a day, using floss or an interdental cleaner
between your teeth once a day and visiting your dentist regularly. Attitudes
and habits established at an early age are critical in helping your
child maintain good oral health throughout life.
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