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Start early, Start right

Healthy teeth are key to a healthy childhood: kids need them for chewing, speaking clearly, and having a bright smile. And thanks to advances in dentistry and oral care

Products, today's children are more likely than ever to grow up with strong, healthy teeth. As a parent, you play an important role in your child's dental health: in fact, good oral care begins with you.

It is especially important to keep your child enthusiastic and motivated about caring for his or her teeth. So whether you're teaching your children how to brush properly or taking them to the dentist for a checkup. Remember that it's up to you to set a good example. And don't forget to praise your child afterwards for clean teeth and healthy smile!

How will my baby's teeth develop?
Usually, your baby's front four teeth (two on the top and two on the bottom) are the first to appear, sometime between six months and one year of age. These are often accompanied by sore or tender gums that may appear red or swollen. This stage is known teething. Ask your dentist for tips on how to relieve your baby discomfort.

At round three years old most children should have a complete set of 20 primary or baby teeth, it is very important to take good care of these first teeth, even though they will be replaced by permanent teeth. This is because your child's baby teeth hold the spaces for the permanent teeth to come in. If a baby tooth is lost, the permanent tooth could come in crooked.

When will my child's baby teeth start to fall out?
Your child will start to lose his or her baby teeth around age six. The process of permanent teeth replacing primary teeth occurs until age 12 or 13. By the time your child's wisdom teeth erupt at around age 16, he or she will have a complete set of 32 permanent teeth because the process of replacing primary teeth with permanent teeth occurs gradually, keeping all the teeth clean may be challenge. That's because your child will have larger permanent teeth growing in next to smaller primary teeth, and his unevenness means lots of spaces for food and plaque to collect.

Plaque is the colorless, sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth and left to build up, is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease.

How can I help keep my child's teeth cavity-free?
Of all age groups, children are the most at risk for cavities. They tend to eat more frequently and have not yet become experts at brushing their teeth. So it is vital that their teeth are brushed properly with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, which means brushing for them the areas they might have missed on their own. Give them healthy snacks, like bread and fruit, to help keep their teeth cavity-free.

So how important is my child's diet?
Very! Guild children away from sugary foods and drinks and reduce the number of times they have them during the day, for example by just serving them at mealtimes. It's always a good idea to have your child brush after eating

How should I brush my child's teeth?
You should follow the same approach that you would take when brushing your own teeth. It often helps to stand behind your child and tilt his or her head back.

  • Start by cleaning the chewing surfaces with a soft-bristled children's toothbrush, using short back-and-forth strokes.
  • For the outer tooth surfaces, places the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline.
  • Move the brush back and forth in short, gentle strokes.
  • To clean the inner front tooth surfaces, hold the brush
  • Make sure the gumline and back teeth are cleaned thoroughly.

Replace your child's toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months, whichever comes first.

By age three or four, your child should be able to brush his or her own teeth – with your help, of course. To make it easier, start your child off with a simple brushing technique, for example, a small, circular brushing motion.

When should children start brushing on their own?
While it varies from child to child, generally children under age eight will need help brushing their teeth. Whether you are still brushing your child's teeth or just supervising, you should follow these simple guild lines.

  • Brush at least twice a day – in the morning, and just before bed.
  • Spend two minutes brushing – concentrating on the chewing surfaces and back teeth, where cavities often first develop.
  • Use pea-sized amount of children's fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to spit out any toothpaste left after brushing.
  • Look for a brush that is suitable for your child's age and dexterity.
  • Don't share brushes between children.
  • Brushing your teeth together sets a good example and helps your child to learn, by watching and imitation you!
  • As early as you can, start cleaning in between your child's teeth. Ask your dentist for advice on when this should begin, and how to do it.

What should I expect from my child's dental visits?
The dentist will examine your child's teeth, gums, and jaw, check for early signs of problems. And show you're the right away to clean and care for your child's teeth. This is also a time to ask how your child's teeth are developing.

Remember, good oral care begins with you!
A lifetime of good oral heath can be reality for your child if you get him or her off on the right track early. Keep them motivated by setting a good example yourself and create a consistent and fun environment for tooth brushing. Soon, they'll learn to recognize it as part of their daily routine. Just like eating breakfast or reading a bedtime story.

So, remember, starting early and starting right will ensure that your child's smile stay healthy and bright!

Start early; start right - a quick guide:

  • Your child's first dental visit should be between the eruption of the first tooth and his or her first birthday.
  • Brush your children's teeth until they are around three years old, and then start encouraging them to join in. Supervise their brushing until age eight.
  • Children under four could use a simple rushing technique – such as small circular brushing motion.
  • Choose a children's toothbrush with a small brush head and soft bristles.
  • Use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to rinse and spit out any toothpaste left after brushing.

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