Care of Your Child’s Teeth & Gums

BRUSHING TIPS:

• Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft cloth and water.
• As soon as your child’s teeth erupt, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• If they are under the age of 2, use a small “smear” of toothpaste.
• If they’re 2-5 years old, use a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste.
• Be sure and use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and make sure your child does not swallow it.
• When brushing, the parent should brush the child’s teeth until they are old enough to do a good job on their own.

FLOSSING TIPS:

• Flossing removes plaque between teeth and under the gumline where a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch.
• Be sure and floss your child’s teeth daily until he or she can do it alone.