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Dr. Nick Miner | 9075 Forsstrom Dr. | Lone Tree, CO 80124
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Caring For Your Child's Teeth
By Lone Tree Pediatric Dentistry - April 6, 2021
Since parents have plenty to multi-task in the mornings and then again in the evenings, brushing may be something that a parent and/or child might want to skip out on. However, we think that it is one of the most important activities of the day.Â
It is important to make brushing twice a day part of your family’s routine. As soon as teeth appear, decay can occur so we recommend adopting a twice daily brushing habit as soon as your child’s first tooth makes its grand entrance. A baby’s front two bottom teeth usually push through the gums at about 6 months of age, although some children don’t have their first tooth until 12 or 14 months. Once those baby teeth have erupted through the gums, parents can start brushing their child’s teeth with a child-size toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste should be no more than a grain of rice. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by your pediatric dentist or pediatrician. If two teeth are touching, flossing should be incorporated into the evening brushing routine. This way the food, and “sugar bugs,†from the day can be removed prior to a night’s rest. Please keep in mind the toothpaste might be considered a treat to your child so please supervise them and make sure the appropriate amount of toothpaste is being used.Â
By the time your child is 3 to 6 years of age, they can increase their fluoride toothpaste amount to a pea-size. Encourage your child to start preparing their toothbrush on their own. Again, it is important to supervise the amount of toothpaste your child puts on the toothbrush. It is important to make your child learn the responsibility of brushing their teeth. They won’t be able to take the reins quite yet so be nearby to help the toothbrush make its way around their mouth a couple of times to ensure a successful mouth cleaning session.
Flossing, this deserves it’s own blog! Until then check out my “Brushing & Flossing Frequency†blog and my personal struggles implementing both into my three kids daily routine.Â
Happy Brushing!
Dr. Nick
It is important to make brushing twice a day part of your family’s routine. As soon as teeth appear, decay can occur so we recommend adopting a twice daily brushing habit as soon as your child’s first tooth makes its grand entrance. A baby’s front two bottom teeth usually push through the gums at about 6 months of age, although some children don’t have their first tooth until 12 or 14 months. Once those baby teeth have erupted through the gums, parents can start brushing their child’s teeth with a child-size toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste should be no more than a grain of rice. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by your pediatric dentist or pediatrician. If two teeth are touching, flossing should be incorporated into the evening brushing routine. This way the food, and “sugar bugs,†from the day can be removed prior to a night’s rest. Please keep in mind the toothpaste might be considered a treat to your child so please supervise them and make sure the appropriate amount of toothpaste is being used.Â
By the time your child is 3 to 6 years of age, they can increase their fluoride toothpaste amount to a pea-size. Encourage your child to start preparing their toothbrush on their own. Again, it is important to supervise the amount of toothpaste your child puts on the toothbrush. It is important to make your child learn the responsibility of brushing their teeth. They won’t be able to take the reins quite yet so be nearby to help the toothbrush make its way around their mouth a couple of times to ensure a successful mouth cleaning session.
Flossing, this deserves it’s own blog! Until then check out my “Brushing & Flossing Frequency†blog and my personal struggles implementing both into my three kids daily routine.Â
Happy Brushing!
Dr. Nick