DENTAL HYGEINE : How to take care for your Childs teeth.

How can I best care for my child's teeth ?

Good dental hygeine habits should begin before your child's first tooth comes in. Wiping your baby's gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings help to prevent the buildup of bacteria. When teeth appear, start using a soft children's toothbrush twice a day.

Once your child is preschool-age, start using fluoride toothpaste. Don't cover the brush with toothpaste ; a pea sized amount is just right. Young children tend to swallow most of the toothpaste and swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause permanent stains on their teeth.

What about using fluoride tablets :

Fluoride helps make teeth strong by hardening the tooth enamel. Many cities are required to add fluoride to tap water. If you live in an area where the tap water does'nt contain fluoride, your doctor may prescribe daily fluoride tablets when your child is about 6 months old. Fluoride is an important part of your child's dental health, but don't give him or her more than the directions call for. If you miss a dose, don't give your child extra fluoride to make up. Just as with swallowed toothpaste, too much oral fluoride can cause stains on your child's teeth.