Looking after your child's teeth can start well before they have a mouthful of pearly whites.
In fact, it is a good idea to start them getting ready for tooth brushing from a very early age. Using a face washer to clean their gums twice a day is a good way of introducing tooth brushing. Baby teeth can arrive in any order and all baby teeth usually arrive by three years old.
If your child is earlier than 18 months, it is recommended you don't use toothpaste. From 18 months to six years, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft small child's brush.
Children at Goodstart Early Learning Wagga Wagga - Morgan Street enjoyed learning the value of good dental hygiene when they were visited by Jack the Dentist from iSmile and his friend Dr Brushalot recently.
The children learnt about visits to the dentist, listened to a story about the importance of cleaning teeth, gums and tongue, and tried on the gloves and masks that dentists wear.
Goodstart Estella centre director Danielle Lange said the children enjoyed learning about how they should look after their teeth.
“The children loved the visit and were excited to tell their parents at pickup all about what they have to do when brushing their teeth at home,” Mrs Lange said
The centre has made information about dental hygiene and routines available for the children to continue to revisit, discuss and explore in their own time.
Dental hygiene for preschool aged children
- Start washing your child's gums with a face washer as soon as their teeth start arriving.
- Once they are about 18 months old, brush your child’s teeth twice a day – morning and night. Use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste on a child-size toothbrush.
- Your child might want to start helping to clean their own teeth. Letting them hold the toothbrush with you will help them feel they’re part of the action. But your child will need your help and supervision with cleaning teeth until about eight years old.
- Ask your dentist about whether you need to floss your child’s teeth.
- From their preschool years on, encourage your child to rinse their mouth with water after lunch and snacks. This will help to wash away any leftover food.