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Brush up on healthy teeth : simple steps for kid's smiles
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12/20/13
[PDF-259.06 KB]
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Description:1. Start cleaning teeth early.
• As soon as the first tooth appears, begin cleaning by wiping with a clean, damp cloth every day.
• When more teeth come in, switch to a small, soft toothbrush.
• Begin using toothpaste with fluoride when your child is 2 years old.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride before age 2 if your child’s doctor or dentist recommends it.
2. Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Use only a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a pea). Fluoride is important for fighting cavities. But if children younger than 6 years old swallow too much fluoride, their permanent teeth may have white spots.
• Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste and to rinse well after brushing.
3. Supervise brushing.
• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until your child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone.
• Continue to closely watch brushing to make sure the child is doing a good job and using only a small amount of toothpaste.
4. Talk to your child’s doctor or dentist.
• Ask the doctor or dentist about your child’s specific fluoride needs. Children older than 6 months may need extra fluoride if the drinking water does not have enough. Children younger than 6 years old should not use a fluoride mouth rinse unless recommended by a doctor or dentist.
• After age 2, most children get the right amount of fluoride to help prevent cavities if they drink water that contains fluoride and brush their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Early care for your children’s teeth will protect their smile and their health.
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