Playtimes HK Magazine September 2017 Issue | Page 34

advice
DENTAL
DO’s AND
DON’Ts
Teaching children
about dental care
from a young age is
vital, but what exactly
should and shouldn’t
you be doing to keep
your child’s pearly
whites gleaming?
D
eveloping good dental
hygiene habits from a young
age helps to prevent teeth
and gum problems later in
life. A top US research centre, the
Massachusetts General Hospital, offers
Playtimes readers practical advice on
healthy habits for good oral hygiene in
babies and young children.
Brushing guide
• If your child is under one year, or
does not have teeth yet, wipe their
gums with a soft, moist cloth.
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• If your child is two-years-old, or has
their first teeth, brush their teeth
twice a day with a soft toothbrush
and toothpaste with fluoride – about
the size of a grain of rice.
• If your child is between two- and
six-years-old, brush their teeth twice
a day with a soft toothbrush
and toothpaste with fluoride – about
the size of a pea. Do not have your
child rinse their mouth after spitting
out the toothpaste. If your child has
not yet learned to spit, keep the
toothpaste to a minimum.
• If your child is six-years-old or older,
encourage them to brush their teeth
twice a day with a soft toothbrush
and toothpaste with fluoride. The
amount of toothpaste should be the
size of a pea.
• Guide your child's hand as they are
brushing so they can feel the correct
movement. Use a mirror to help your
child see where they are brushing.
DO:
• Establish a fun, family routine to set
an example.