Dental Necessities for Your Child - Birth and up

Here's a list of dental care necessities from birth on up:

• Baby Teeth Cleaning: Baby teeth should be cleaned as soon as they erupt. Clean your baby's teeth with a soft washcloth or gauze after every bottle or meal. When molars erupt, use a small child-sized (age-appropriate) toothbrush with warm water to brush your baby's teeth, as instructed by your dentist.
  
  At age two begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.  In select special circumstances your dentist may recommend fluoride toothpaste younger than age two.   Encourage your children with a daily brushing habit.  Help them “finish the job until their hand skills develop adequately (Age 6 or more).   Replace toothbrushes every two to three months.
  
  Children taking regular medications need extra attention including brushing after taking the medicine.  Ask your dentist regarding the specifics.
• First Dental Visit:   It is important that your child see a dentist by age one to establish a long-term dental hygiene and professional dental cleaning plan.
• Dental Sealant Application:   Dental Sealants are used to protect teeth from decay and are appropriate as soon as permanent molar teeth erupt.
• Fluoride Treatments:  Check with your dentist and water authority about the need for fluoride treatments.  Fluoride is a major component in the prevention of childhood dental caries.  This is because fluoride alters the molecular structure of the tooth, making it more resistant to acid attack and decay.
  
  However, children require the right balance of fluoride treatment. Too much fluoride could be problematic and lead to fluorosis.
• Dental Flossing: Parent-assisted dental flossing should commence when two teeth erupt next to each other, especially the molars at age 2 1/2.  Independent flossing should occur when children have the ability to do it on their own (often by eight years of age).
• Mouth Washing: Mouth washing is recommended by age six if your dentist deems there are special preventive needs.  Mouthwashes not containing alcohol are fine for anyone age 6 and older who can rinse without swallowing the mouthwash.
• Orthodontics: may be appropriate by seven years of age.

Keep in mind that these age ranges are estimates only; you should follow your dentist's recommendations.

One of the gifts parents can give their child is a start at good dental health as well as a healthy relationship with the dentist.