Choosing a toothbrush

Take your tot to the store and let him choose his own toothbrush and toothpaste. A colorful character on the brush’s handle may not inspire you, but it might make all the difference in coaxing your toddler to brush his teeth.

When to see the dentist

Experts agree that you should bring your child to the dentist by her first birthday.

Tooth decay danger

Early childhood decay is usually caused when babies are put to sleep with a bottle filled with milk, formula, juice, or other drinks that contain sugar, even natural sugars.

Brushing tip

If your toddler has his own toothbrush to hold while you brush, he won’t be as likely to grab at the one you’re trying to brush with.

Eat Oreos for better teeth

To help tots understand the importance of brushing, it can be sometimes fun and helpful to let him eat or drink something that will ‘stain’ his teeth temporarily, such as oreos, and then let him brush them clean.

Getting tots excited about brushing

Take your tot to the store and let him choose his own toothbrush and toothpaste. A colorful character on the brush’s handle may not inspire you, but it might make all the difference in coaxing your toddler to brush his teeth.

Choosing a toothbrush

When choosing a toothbrush, make sure that it is designed for a toddler and has soft bristles. This is very important for their toddler years. You can purchase these in the infant section of a department store.

Baby teeth are important

If you think that baby teeth aren’t important, you are wrong. These teeth reserve the space for permanent teeth. In addition, they also ensure that your baby speaks properly. Take care of an infant’s teeth, right from the time the first tooth comes out.

Learning to brush gums early

It may be too late for your already 2 year old, but a good tip is to start very early. You can brush your baby’s gums with a soft brush even before there are any teeth in there.

Brush teeth twice a day

Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until your child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone (usually around 6-8 years old).

When to first go to the dentist

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you bring your child in within six months of the appearance of his first tooth.

Kids and cavities

A cavity is caused when holes are formed in a tooth’s enamel and dentin (outer 2 layers). Baby teeth are more porous than adult teeth, leaving tots vulnerable to cavities

Get your toddler a fun electric toothbrush

There are dozens on the market and children can select their favorite colors or characters. They are actually more effective than standard toothbrushes and children love using them.

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Practicing brushing teeth

Be a good role model. Let your toddler watch you brush and floss your teeth regularly and properly.

Brush your teeth side by side while modeling and explaining proper tooth brushing techniques.

From: planningfamily.com.

Cleaning schedule for baby’s teeth

Your toddler will need her teeth cleaned at least twice a day. After breakfast and after her evening meal are ideal times because cavities form when the naturally occurring bacteria in her mouth combine with sugars in the food residues left on her teeth, producing an acid that attacks her tooth enamel.

From: johnsonsbaby.com.

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Cheese cleanses teeth

Did you know that cheese, as an in-between snack, helps minimize tooth decay?

Besides being a healthier choice for kids than sweets, cheese cleanses the teeth.

From: doodledudsdepot.com

teeth brushing tip

Let your child hold the brush first, and to let them "brush" their teeth themselves. Then, tell your child, "Okay, now it’s Mommy’s or Daddy’s turn to try."

From: iVillage.com

Flossing for children

The most important teeth to floss in a child are the back teeth.

From: iVillage.com

When to visit a dentist

The American Academy of Pediatrics and most pediatric dentists say it’s a good idea to bring your child to a dentist around the time he turns 1.

From: BabyCenter.com

Limiting sickness

If your child is sick, toothpaste should be placed on the brush via a cotton swab or a clean finger to avoid contaminating the toothpaste tube.

From: knowyourteeth.com Opens in new window