So how early should you start brushing your baby’s teeth? That is easy – the first time you see a tooth.
About one in five three-year-olds show signs of tooth decay. That is because many parents are not starting early enough to take care of their babies’ teeth.
Most children get their first tooth around six months and that is the time to start brushing at least twice a day.
For infants, use a soft cloth to rub the gum and teeth gently. Make sure you get all sides.
When they get to be toddlers, it is time to start using a soft brush and a dab of toothpaste. You might want to get the non-fluoridated kind until they are able to spit it out.
Around three, you can start teaching them to do it themselves but, even then, make sure you monitor the job they do. At least until they have the fine motor skills it takes to manoeuvre the brush alone.
From TODAY, Voices - Monday, 12-July-2010
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