Are you guilty of ever believing that temporary teeth or milk teeth are not of great importance to the overall dental history of a person? Many people actually think that serious oral care need not start until the permanent teeth are in. This belief is grievously wrong and could eventually lead to physical and emotional distress later on. Parents should realize as early as possible that teaching proper oral care to their young children is a health investment that offers lifelong benefits.

Early brushing

For early oral care, parents must know how to properly brush their children’s teeth. “An extra soft-bristled toothbrush should be used for cleaning primary teeth,” Dentist Dr. Grace Pagayon-Uy advises. Many parents of babies and toddlers may believe that the ritual ends with the brushing since their children do not know how to rinse and spit yet, but Dr. Pagayon-Uy adds,  “A clean wet cloth should also be used after brushing to wipe the gums and teeth to remove excess milk or food debris that usually cause baby bottle decay.” Parents should also remember that besides being soft-bristled, a child’s toothbrush should also be small enough to fit comfortably into his or her mouth.

Toothpaste use

Asked about the introduction of toothpaste in brushing children’s teeth, Dr. Pagayon-Uy replies, “As the milk or primary teeth appear, non-fluoridated toothpaste must be used. Regular toothpaste may be indicated for young children who already know how to spit out the excess toothpaste to prevent ingestion, which may cause flourosis.” A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is usually indicated for very young children. When your child is ready to learn how to properly rinse and spit, show them how to swish the water around their mouth to spit out all traces of toothpaste.

Caution against fluorosis

Making sure that toothpaste is not ingested is very important. Dental fluorosis is a condition caused by receiving too much fluoride during tooth development. The first to fourth years are the critical period of exposure, while children 8 years old and above are no longer at risk. Mild fluorosis may be indicated by tiny white spots which are often unnoticeable, but a more severe case may be characterized by black and brown stains, as well as cracking and pitting on the teeth.

Brushing frequency

Many parents do not relish the task of brushing their children’s teeth since toddlers can be uncooperative when it comes to having their teeth cleaned. Nevertheless, Dr. Pagayon-Uy recommends brushing three times a day. It is also generally advised that brushing last at least two minutes.

Proper way of brushing teeth

As for the movement of the toothbrush, Dr. Pagayon-Uy tells us that using circular strokes is the proper way to brush the teeth. “Children should be trained to brush their teeth in a circular motion, thus preventing tooth abrasions in the future.” Make sure that all the teeth (front and back, upper and lower) receive focus and that all surfaces (sides facing the tongue, sides facing the lips) are covered. Also pay close attention to the area where the tooth meets the gumline. Do not forget to brush the tongue as well. Ask your dentist to demonstrate the proper way of brushing although most of them do this as early as your child’s first dental visit.

Guaranteeing good oral health

The following are some of the things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your children’s teeth healthy:

• To encourage children to properly care for their teeth, it is best that the parents lead by example. When your children observe from you that you regard dental hygiene as important, this impression will stay with them.

• A common practice that parents should also avoid is the sharing of feeding utensils, which can lead to the spread of cavity-causing germs.

• Flossing with an adult’s assistance should be added to the ritual when children are 4 years old. Around the time they are 8, they can be expected to floss their own teeth correctly.

• To aid dental health, children should also have a diet including calcium, phosphorous, and proper levels of fluoride. Starch and sugar should be limited as these produce plaque acids which cause tooth decay.

When it comes to your children’s pearly whites, vigilance is truly necessary. “As soon as the milk teeth appear, parents should bring their kids to the dentist at least twice a year to be guided as to proper oral hygiene,” Dr. Pagayon-Uy states. “Early prevention of tooth problems will help your children avoid complicated dental procedures in the future.”

Tips on making brushing more interesting and fun for your kids:

• Use a chart and stickers to keep track of when they brush.
• Play or sing a two-minute song to which they can brush along.
• Use a cute timer or hourglass that they can watch while brushing.