The basics of brushing for infants and young children is up to you. Your children cannot take care of their teeth, so you must do it for them. From the time their first tooth grows in and every day until they are old enough to accomplish the task themselves, you must be there to keep their teeth safe and clean.
One of the most important things you can do for your child’s oral health is brushing their teeth twice daily. Although this task only takes a few minutes a day, it is often vital for the health of a person’s teeth. For children under three, use a rice-sized dab of toothpaste. For children three to six years of age, use a pea-sized dab of toothpaste.
Never share brushing utensils or any other dental tools with your child. Doing so can contaminate their mouths with your bacteria, which increases their risk for tooth failure and decay. Instead, wash and disinfect all items thoroughly after each use if you must use them for both you and your children. When brushing your child’s teeth, never press too hard or for too long, but rather use a gentle touch to ensure that all areas and sides of their teeth are reached safely and effectively.
Dr. Jennifer Morgan at DentalWorks wants to ensure your child’s smile shines no matter what condition it is in. Please contact our pediatric office in Athens, Texas, by calling us at 903-675-0023. Your child’s smile is our main concern.