February is “National Kids Dental Health Month.” Here are some guidelines for good dental health for your child: Children should brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between their teeth daily. Children should eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks. Children should see a dentist regularly for preventive and treatment of oral health disease.
The following are guidelines for the ages when children can begin to make dental care part of their routine:
Ages 4—24 months:
• Every child should have their first dental appointment before age 1.
• You should wash their gums with a washcloth after each feeding.
• You can brush new teeth with a soft brush and water.
Ages 2—4 years:
• After your child knows not to swallow toothpaste, they should brush their teeth for 2 minutes twice a day.
• They should use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• They should have a dental check-up every 6 months.
5—7 years:
• They should continue care as above.
• They should add flossing as soon as 2nd teeth begin to touch.
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