What Your Dentist Wants You to Know About Your Child's Teeth

As a parent, one of your primary jobs is to take care of your child physically to ensure she grows up strong and healthy. Your child;s teeth are just one of many ways in which you can do this. If you were to sit down and have a chat with a dentist, this is what they would want you to know about caring for your child's teeth.

Proper oral hygiene for kids is vital to their overall health and well being. Poor dental care not only affects their teeth and mouth, but also their overall health. Remember, gum disease can be a risk factor for some very serious health conditions. The problem with this is that children depend on their parents for their oral hygiene in the early years.

You should start brushing your child's teeth as soon as he has some, using a washcloth or a finger toothbrush for those first few. You can even "brush" your baby's gums to get him used to the sensation before the teeth erupt. Your dentist will tell you that it is never too early to start this process.

Flossing should begin when your child has teeth that touch one another. This may happen sometime between age two and three. If you are regularly brushing and inspecting your child's teeth, then you will know when this happens.

Until your child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste, use a baby or toddler toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. Fluoride is not good for babies to swallow. You can also use just straight water if you are concerned about your child swallowing this safer toothpaste. Your dentist will tell you that brushing with just water is more effective than you might think.

Sometimes for kids, especially older toddlers and young preschoolers, this requires parents to be creative in the way they approach the process. Sometimes, turning it into a game makes it more enjoyable. Tell your child you are searching for treasure behind their teeth or fighting "sugar bugs" that are hiding in their mouth. If worst comes to worst and your child is screaming during the process, at least you have a wide open mouth to clean. Do not let a resistant child prevent you from this incredibly important process.

You will need to help your child with brushing until she reaches the age seven or so, when the dexterity to do a good job independently will develop. Schedule morning and evening brushing and flossing to establish good habits early on. Keeping things on a regular schedule will help make habits that will stick for a lifetime, and will also help prevent tooth brushing fights. If your child knows that he will be brushing his teeth after breakfast, he is less likely to fight because it will be a normal part of his schedule. Remember, your dentist wants your child to have a good oral routine, and building that starts with you -- the parent!