Brushing
Begin brushing your child’s teeth at the age of one. It has been proven that if teeth brushing begins at this age the child will suffer less from dental decay. This happens because this early tooth brushing habit can diminish the number of bacteria from the very first stages of their development, and maintain a low concetration throughout life.
Age 1-3: use a minimum amount of fluoridated toothpaste (lentil-sized) on a children's toothbrush. It doesn't matter if your child swallows a bit of toothpaste.
Age 3-6: when your child becomes 3 years old, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For more effective brushing do not make your child rinse his mouth, after brushing.
Age 6 and above: a normal amount of toothpaste should be used provided that he can spit it out at ease. The use of toothpaste is necessary due to the beneficial effect of the fluoride on the enamel of the teeth. Before the age of six encourage your child to avoid rinsing the toothpaste since the beneficial effect of the toothpaste is increased if the child doesn't rinse with water after brushing.
Please remember the following:
- Bacteria must be removed twice a day (morning and night) as they begin to develop 12 hours after their removal.
- Parents must brush their children's teeth until the age of 8 – 10 as children may not be able to do so correctly on their own.
- Toothpaste must contain an adequate amount of fluoride according to the child’s age. We’ll advice you on this issue during your child’s first visit.
- Too much toothpaste on the brush during the years 1-6 can cause damage on the permanent teeth due to increased swallowing of fluoride that it is in the toothpaste .If this happens then fluorosis can occur. Fluorosis is a disease of the enamel which occurs during the development of the permanent dentition and presents with white – brown spots on the enamel of the permanent teeth.
- Electric toothbrushing is as good as a manual toothbrush when used properly.
- A nylon bristle toothbrush with a small head and bend handle is very good for your child.
- You need to change your brush frequently usually every 3-4 months due to accumulation of bacteria and damage of the bristles.Do not keep using toothbrushes like the one in the picture since they do more harm than good (abrasions of the gums,attrision of the teeth,compromised cleaning).
