Young children can wash by themselves, but it is important that parents actually clean their teeth, at least before bedtime at night.
0 TO 2 YEARS
Avoid using the same spoon (for mom and baby). Avoid sucking a pacifier to clean it.
Avoid adult toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Gently clean gums with a finger wrapped in a clean gauze. When the first teeth appear, use a small, soft toothbrush.
Use toothpastes with a fluoride dosage lower than 6ppm.
If a pacifier is really necessary, the child must possess ONLY ONE.
Oral hygiene is a daily habit, it must be learnt from an early age. It is beneficial throughout life.
2 TO 6 YEARS
Avoid the systematic use of mouthwashes
Avoid toothbrushes that are over 4-8 weeks old
Do not assume that children are able to clean their teeth on their own.
Brush teeth at least 3 times a day, within 30 minutes of eating and drinking at a main meal.
Small, soft toothbrushes or an electric toothbrush.
Use specific mouthwashes only when necessary and on the advice of the dentist.
Coordination of movements is fully complete at around 10-12 years of age. Until then, it is appropriate that, at least once a day, the parent wash their child's teeth to remove plaque from the most difficult spaces in the mouth.
FROM 6 TO 16 YEARS
AVOID to the constant use of whitening toothpastes and hard bristle toothbrushes.
DO NOT brush your teeth in back-to-front movements.
DO NOT use mouthwash routinely.
Brush teeth at least 3 times a day, change the toothbrush every 4-8 weeks.
The electric toothbrush is a great tool, but the head needs to be changed every 4-8 weeks.
When permanent teeth have replaced all deciduous teeth, use dental floss at least once a day.
In case of orthodontic treatment (even with removable equipment), greater commitment is needed for oral hygiene: spend more minutes brushing after each meal and use a fluoride mouthwash twice a day.
Increased daily care will help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
