Dental care for kids of different ages

In general, it is important to use a toothbrush and toothpaste that is adapted to the child’s age for good dental care for kids of different ages. Small mouths require small toothbrushes, with small and soft bristles. In addition, keep in mind that small children cannot spit, so it is important to use the recommended amount of toothpaste. A firm pattern during brushing is also important for cleaning all tooth surfaces.

Here are tips for good dental care for kids of different ages:

5 MONTHS

• A teething ring can relieve discomfort in the gums before and during tooth eruption
• When the first tooth erupts, start brushing the tooth morning and evening with kids toothpaste with the recommended fluoride level
• Use a barely visible amount of toothpaste
• Breastfeeding is good for the kid’s dental position
• Night feeding should be limited after tooth eruption to avoid cavities
• Use a toothbrush with a small brush head and soft bristles
• A pacifier is a better alternative than thumb sucking for children as pacifier use is easier to wean

11-12 MND

• Brush teeth morning and evening with soft toothbrush and kids toothpaste containing recommended level of fluoride
• Use toothpaste equivalent to the size of the kid’s nail on the little finger
• Avoid snacking between meals as this increases the risk of cavities
• Use water as the kid’s main fluid between meals and at night
• Limit sweets to one day a week
• Night feeding should be limited after tooth eruption to avoid cavities

FROM 2 YEARS

• Brush teeth morning and evening with kids toothbrush and kids toothpaste containing recommended level of fluoride
• Use toothpaste equivalent to the size of the kid’s nail on the little finger
• Have regular meals, avoid snacking as this increases the risk of cavities
• Use water as the kid’s main fluid between meals and at night
• Fruit is a healthy snack
• Limit sweets to one day a week
• Avoid pacifier use from the age of 3 to avoid bite problems

From 4 years

• Brush teeth morning and evening with kids toothbrush and kids toothpaste containing recommended level of fluoride
• Use toothpaste equivalent to the size of the kid’s nail on the little finger
• Remember all tooth surfaces and try to brush for the recommended 2 minutes
• Have regular meals, avoid snacking as this increases the risk of cavities
• Use water as the kid’s main fluid between meals and at night
• Fruit is a healthy snack
• Limit sweets to one day a week
• The child may try to brush their teeth themselves, but an adult must always ensure the quality of their brushing

PERMANENT TEETH (FROM 5 YEARS)

• Brush teeth morning and evening with toothpaste containing recommended level of fluoride
• From the age of 6 use junior toothpaste with the recommended level of fluoride for children 6+
• Use a toothbrush adapted for kids with a mix of both milk teeth and permanent teeth
• Use the amount of toothpaste equivalent to the size of a pea
• Remember all tooth surfaces and try to brush for the recommended 2 minutes
• Have regular meals – avoid snacking as this increases the risk of cavities
• Use water as the kid’s main fluid between meals and at night
• Fruit is a healthy snack
• Limit sweets to one day a week
• Flossing should be introduced when the permanent teeth erupt and the children is able to floss themselves