Last Updated on 23rd January 2023
Evesham Dental Health Team is delighted to announce that our wonderful dental therapist Katharine and husband Torquil are now proud parents of gorgeous baby Thomas Henry, born on Monday 24thOctober, weighing 7lb 5oz. We send many congratulations to them both and it’s been lovely to welcome Thomas!
With a new arrival in our midst, it seemed like a good time to remind all new parents about how to look after their babies’ mouths and teeth, when they start to erupt.
How should I brush my baby’s teeth?
Babies love putting things in their mouths, so hopefully they will automatically attempt to put their toothbrush in there too. Make this time fun and if all they want to do is chew on the brush to start with, let them.
Make small circular movements with the brush, covering all tooth surfaces. Parents can also brush their teeth at the same time as their child to encourage a good brushing style. Brush the teeth twice a day and keep an eye on your child’s technique until they can be trusted to brush thoroughly on their own, at around seven or eight years old.
When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
Our advice is start early! Brush or rub the gums before any teeth have erupted. As soon as their first tooth appears introduce your child to a toothbrush and toothpaste. Children up to three years old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1,000ppm (parts per million), after that we should all use toothpaste that contains 1,350ppm -1,500ppm. Children should use a pea-sized amount on their toothbrush and babies just a smear.
Give your baby the best start possible Children are born free from dental disease, yet by adulthood 95% of the population has active gum disease and most people have experienced some tooth decay and even tooth loss. It is our belief that dental disease can be prevented.
In order to maintain a healthy mouth and confident smile for life it is essential that effective dental care starts early. Families at our practice are encouraged to bring their children to us for their initial visit as soon as their first tooth appears. Regular dental visits are vital for maintaining long-term dental health to help keep mouths free from tooth decay and gum disease.
By teaching children the most effective brushing techniques from a young age, they will take these skills into adulthood. Please contact u sfor more information.
