It´s time to brush our teeth

It’s time to brush our teeth

Guide for adults in the dental health of their little ones

Josie Salloun pediatricdentist illustrated by Helena Cabanillas

THE FIRST TOOTH

When the gum is somewhat inflamed and reddened, the appearance of a whitish line is observed; this is where the tooth eruption will occur. It is a process that can be annoying for your little one, and he or she will experience some of these symptoms:

• Increased saliva production.

• Irritability.

• Sleep difficulties.

Avoid topical gels or creams, as most contain anesthetics and chemicals that your baby does not need.

HERE BEGINS THE ADVENTURE

From the appearance of the first tooth, we must brush it 2 times a day. We understand that incorporating this habit can be a complicated task, both for parents and for the baby, in this first phase. The technique will probably not

be perfect but try to make it fun for the time the brushing lasts; it is important to be patient and consistent.I recommend you to use a toothbrush with with soft nylon bristles and a small head as your first one.

To brush your baby’s teeth, stand behind your child’s head, lift their lip well to be able to brush well between the tooth and the gum and be careful with the area of the Frenulum to avoid harming it. Place the amount of toothpaste indicated for each age range, perform a sweeping technique from top to bottom and vice versa, and finally, it is not necessary to rinse.

When brushing, use distracting movements on your little one’s hands, as it will prevent them from putting their hands in their mouths.

WITH OR WITHOUT TOOTHPASTE?

Always with toothpaste, according to scientific evidence. On the back of each children’s toothpaste of your preference, you can see the recommended parts per million of fluoride, according to the Spanish Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Please see below the corresponding amounts according to the age of your little one:

• 6 months to 3 years: 1000 ppm of fluoride in an amount equal to half a grain of ricez.

• 3 to 5 years: 1000 ppm of fluoride in an amount equal to one grain of rice.

• From 5 years: 1450 ppm of fluoride in an amount equal to one pea.

What to do if my child doesn’t like toothpaste?

If you have already tried it in different flavors and textures, I recommend some without flavor but with fluoride content.

In case you decide to use a toothpaste without fluoride, it will not have any preventive effect on the development of caries, so you should have a diet with no refined sugars.