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Your Child and
Home Dental Hygiene

You should begin caring for your child's mouth when she is an infant, even before her teeth start coming in. Wipe gums after every feeding with a damp gauze pad or terry cloth. Once her baby teeth begin coming in and she can tolerate light brushing, use an extra-soft infant toothbrush twice daily. If you wish, you may add a pea-sized dab of non-fluoride toothpaste. (After the age of two, you can switch to regular fluoride paste.) Gently floss between teeth everyday.

Once your child can handle brushing and flossing on her own, it may take some creative effort on your part to make sure it is done properly. Remember, children often learn by example. And one of the best ways to encourage good hygiene is by letting them watch you brush and floss your own teeth. It is a good idea to supervise cleaning sessions until your child is seven to ten years of age. Check teeth regularly thereafter to make sure she is keeping on track.

How to avoid childhood dental problems

The leading cause of tooth decay in infants is the sugar found in milk, formula and fruit juices. If a child is permitted to take a bottle to bed or use a bottle for long periods, sugary substances will stay in her mouth and the bacteria that attack tooth enamel and start decay will start to grow.

To prevent decay, avoid lengthy bottle use and, if necessary, give your child a pacifier between feedings. Clean her teeth after every feeding.

Sticky snacks, fruit roll-ups and gummy candies are a major cause of tooth decay in young children. That gooey stuff they love so much is loaded with sugar and can cling to teeth for hours. The longer it remains on their teeth, the better chance that acids will begin to form and attack tooth enamel.

To prevent decay, limit the amount of sugary snacks you give your child and make sure she brushes after eating them. Try to substitute healthier choices such as real fruit, nuts and whole grain cereals.

Thumbsucking, another potential cause of dental problems, is usually harmless up to the age of four. However, it can develop into a bad habit that is hard to break. To avoid tooth misalignment and associated dental problems, make sure your child's thumbsucking has stopped before permanent teeth come in. Stop the use of pacifiers as well, since they too can cause misalignment.

To learn more about healthy oral habits that can give you and your child a lifetime of beautiful teeth, visit our Total Dental Fitness page.

If you would like more information about at-home dental hygiene for children, call 936-756-3611 or send us an e-mail. To schedule an appointment, go to Make An Appointment now.