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Sweet Smiles
Caring for Your Toddler's Teeth By Melinda Copp
How to Brush Your Toddler's Teeth "Parents should start brushing their child's teeth as soon as the teeth come in," says Gerald Ferretti, chair of pediatric dentistry at Case Western Reserve University's School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.
Little teeth and sensitive gums need a small toothbrush with extra soft bristles. A variety of toddler toothbrushes are available, and most have small heads and easy-to-grip handles that make it easier for your child to manage. However, most kids don't have the dexterity to brush their teeth thoroughly until age 8 or 9. To make sure all surfaces are cleaned, go back and brush your child's teeth aftershe has finished.
You don't really need to use toothpaste on your child's teeth at this age. But if you do, you should look for toothpaste that doesn't have fluoride because most kids swallow all their toothpaste, and ingesting too much fluoride can be harmful.
"Until age 2, it's not necessary to use fluoride toothpaste," says Brian Martin, the chief of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. "At this point, the mechanical action of brushing[is what's]most important." You should brush your child's teeth twice a day, and if you use toothpaste, a pea-sized amount is enough to do the job.
"You can put a baby tooth in a cup of soda and it will completely dissolve in a week," says Ferretti, who recommends limiting sippy cup use. Your child's dentist may also talk to you about your dental care habits. The bacteria that grow in your mouth can be passed from a caregiver to the baby.