The Dents Mon Quartier team is excited to offer a pediatric dentistry service. Thanks to care tailored to children, from their infancy to the end of adolescence, they will grow up with a healthy smile. In addition to the care provided at the clinic, it also paramount for us to teach children and their parents good oral hygiene habits.
We present 3 important tips to allow young children to grow up with good oral hygiene habits and understanding the importance of these for their health.
Tip #1: Good supervision of proper brushing technique
As a parent, you have an important role to play with your young children. You must brush their teeth for them as soon as they appear. Before that, it is advisable to use a damp cloth to gently clean baby's gums. As soon as the first tooth appears, it should be brushed with a toothbrush that is suitable for the child's small mouth.
How old should you brush your child's teeth? The Canadian Dental Association shares an easy-to-remember trick: once a child is able to write their name with a pencil, they should be able to brush their teeth properly. However, you must provide proper supervision until you are about 12 years old. This will allow the child to understand the importance of brushing his teeth after meals and before bed, while helping him to adopt the right technique.
Remember to include flossing in your child's hygiene routine at least once a day and BEFORE brushing.
Tip #2: What toothpaste should I use?
The use of fluoridated toothpaste is important for the prevention of tooth decay. Fluoride can remineralize tooth enamel and strengthen it against acid attacks by bacteria. However, children should not swallow fluoridated toothpaste. For this reason, in children 0 to 3 years old, it is advisable to assess the risk that the young child has of developing cavities. Your dentist will then be able to advise you on the best type of toothpaste to use depending on your child's age and prevention needs.
However, here are some general rules to remember about the use of toothpaste in young children:
- Babies: When teeth have not yet erupted, there is no need to use toothpaste to clean baby's gums.
- 0 to 3 years: It is recommended to use an exceedingly small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, the size of a grain of rice. At this age, brushing must be done by the parent and the child should be ensured that the toothpaste is spit out.
- 3 to 6 years: The child can start brushing his teeth himself, but the adult must offer him close supervision. The amount of toothpaste to use should be equivalent to the size of a pea.
Tip #3: the first visit to the dentist
When should a child be brought for the first visit to the dentist? This is a question that parents often ask us. The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first visit within 6 months of the appearance of the first tooth, or at the maximum age of 12 months (1 year). This allows the dentist to observe the child's first teeth for screening and preventing cavities. In addition, the dentist can also assess the development of teeth and jaws. It is also a good opportunity to review hygiene techniques and offer personalized advice to children and their parents.
Finally, it is important to bring a child to a dental clinic at an early age, it helps them understand the importance of regular dental visits. Children can also become familiar with the clinic environment and the right strategies can be put in place to prevent the fear of the dentist. In short, it is important to promote the development of healthy oral hygiene habits among our children!
Approved by Dre Charouk
Dr. Joumana Charouk, D.M.D, is proud to offer her patients exceptional care that combines experience, efficiency and good humor.
Dre Joumana Charouk, D.M.D