When should I start caring for my child’s teeth?

As soon as your baby’s teeth appear, you should clean them with a piece of gauze or damp washcloth after feedings. When the rest of the teeth have come in, brush them gently with an extra soft, children’s toothbrush like Colgate® Junior toothbrush. It helps to have your child lay his or her head in your lap so you can see the teeth better when you brush.

Remember that babies who sleep with a bottle of milk, formula, or fruit juice in their mouths can suffer from Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Use only cool water in the bottle at bedtime or budding teeth may become severely decayed.

Why are baby teeth so important?

Even though primary (baby) teeth eventually fall out, they do serve a very important function. Primary teeth reserve space for permanent teeth, so if a tooth is lost too early, new teeth could grow in crooked.

There are many ways to help prevent early decay, beginning with regular checkups. But if a cavity does develop in a primary tooth, be sure to have it filled. And if your child knocks a tooth out, place it in cool milk or water and get to the dentist within a half hour so it can be replanted in your child’s mouth.

When should I make my child’s first dental appointment?
When your child is a bout a year old, it’s time he or she see a dentist. Early visits can prevent minor problems from becoming major ones, and even though you check your child’s teeth, you may not recognize a problem. Don’t wait until there’s an injured tooth to introduce your child to a dentist; make the first visit a positive one.

YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DENTAL VISIT

  • Familiarize your child with the dentist and dental office by taking him or her along with you or a friend; letting your dentist know in advance allows time for them to get acquainted
  • Your child may enjoy a “ride” in the dental chair; perhaps your dentist will use the dental mirror to show your child his or her teeth
  • Be low key about the visit; your child has no reason to be afraid unless it’s suggested
  • Take cues from the dentist who’s experienced at dealing with children, and don’t expect perfect behavior from your child.

How can I teach my child proper dental care?Imitation is the best way to teach your child how to brush and floss. Children as young as 2 or 3 can learn to brush by watching you, although you should follow--up with a thorough brushing.

Get them into the habit of brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste like Colgate® Junior, which is made especially for kids. Parents should also floss their toddler’s teeth. By the age of 10, children should be able to floss by themselves.

Most of all, be sure to praise your child for clean teeth, a nice smile and good dental health habits!

How can we help avoid cavities?

Out of all age groups, children are the most cavity-prone. It’s critical that they brush twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque, the colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and leads to decay and gum disease. See the back of this booklet for more on brushing and flossing.

A well-balanced diet and limited snacking also promote good oral health.

Fluoride makes teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. Children who drink fluoridated water from birth can reduce cavities substantially. If your water doesn’t have enough fluoride, your dentist may prescribe fluoride tablets or drops for your children. Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses such as Colgate Fluorigard® ANTI-Cavity Fluoride Rinse provide important protection, too.

And remember, regular dental checkups are key to healthy oral development.

Children need healthy teeth for chewing, speaking clearly, and looking good. With the advancements in dentistry and oral care products, today’s children have a better chance than ever to grow up with strong, cavity-free teeth.

Parents, too, play and important role in a child’s dental development, because better oral health for your child begins with you.

Proper Oral Care: The key to healthy, good looking teeth.

BRUSH with a soft toothbrush, like the specially designed Colgate® PLUS Toothbrush. Tip it at a 45° angle toward your gumline and brush gently with a short back-and-fourth scrubbing motion. Brush just a couple of teeth at a time on the outside, inside, and on chewing surfaces. And be sure to replace your brush every 3-4 months. To help prevent ugly tartar build-up, use Colgate® Tartar Control Toothpaste or Gel.

FLOSS daily using about 18” of floss wrapped around your middle fingers and leaving about two inches to work with. Gently scrape the side of each tooth away from the gum. And, don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

RINSE for about one minute every day with a mouthwash such as Colgate® Tartar Control Mouthwash which effectively reduces the formation of tartar above the gumline.