Brushing a child's teeth needs to be done since the first teeth grow. Early treatment is needed so that children's dental hygiene is maintained and can grow healthily. When a child's first teeth begin to grow, parents need to help their child brush their teeth. Guide the child from the beginning until he can brush his own teeth well. Usually, children have started to brush their own teeth around the age of six years.
How to Brush a Child's Teeth
How to brush a child's teeth is slightly different from how to brush an adult's teeth, especially when a child's teeth are just growing. When your child is just teething, apply the following tips in brushing his teeth:
1. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles
Choose a special toothbrush for children, with soft toothbrush bristles, a small head tip, and a handle long enough for a child to grip. Toothbrushes can only be used for 3 months. After that, you must to replace it with a new toothbrush. Soft toothbrush bristles can make children feel more comfortable. Soft bristles are also safer than stiff or coarse bristles, because they do not injure the gums and do not cause tooth decay due to the friction of the bristles. One thing you need to remember, don't use one toothbrush together.
Read Too : Tips for Choosing a Toothbrush and Toothpaste for Children
2. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride
Also choose a special toothpaste for children. There are many toothpastes with fruit flavors that children like, such as strawberries, oranges, or grapes. However, don't just pay attention to the taste. The most important thing is that toothpaste for children must contain fluoride. The fluoride content in toothpaste helps keep teeth from inhibits bacterial growth, cavities, and strengthens teeth. Toothpaste that doesn't contain fluoride only helps clean teeth, not to protect teeth or prevent cavities.
The fluoride content in toothpaste that is safe for children aged 6-36 months is 0.1 mg. While fluoride content that is safe for children aged 3-6 years is 0.25 mg. In general, the safe dose used to prevent cavities is 0.05 mg/kg BW (kilograms of body weight).
3. Adjust the size of the toothpaste according to the child's age
You also need to pay attention to amount of toothpaste used. When the first teeth appear at the age of 6 months - 3 years, use a little toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. When your child is 3-6 years old, increase the amount of toothpaste to the size of a pea. Teach your child to spit after brushing his teeth so he doesn't swallow the toothpaste. However, you don't have to worry if your child swallows toothpaste, as long as the amount is within normal limits, according to age and weight calculations.
4. Choose the right time to brush your teeth
It is recommended to brush your teeth in the morning and at night before going to bed. Brush the child's teeth slowly, for 2-3 minutes. Brushing your child's teeth slowly can clean the dirt on his teeth without causing injury to the gums. A child's first baby teeth usually appear at the age of 3-8 months. You can start cleaning your child's teeth using gauze or a soft cloth wrapped around the index finger. Next, wipe surface of the child's teeth with the index finger.
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Once your baby's front baby teeth are fully developed, you can start introducing them to a toothbrush. Initially, brush your teeth only with water. If your child is used to and comfortable brushing their teeth, you can introduce them to toothpaste.
Parents need to pay attention to the health of their children's teeth and mouth since their first teeth appear, starting from brushing their teeth, teaching them how to brush their teeth, to reminding them to brush their teeth when they can brush their own teeth. And don't forget, routinely check your child's teeth to the dentist.
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