Oral and dental hygiene in infants begins with the eruption of the first teeth. When the first teeth appear, the mother should clean the teeth and the inside of the mouth with a clean and wet gauze pad after feeding the baby. After each feeding, the baby is given some water to clean the mouth. When the number of teeth in the child’s mouth increases, the use of a toothbrush can be started. This period is around 1.5-2 years of age.
In the early stages of brushing, the child should be allowed to brush his/her own teeth twice a day in order to form a habit. However, considering that effective oral and dental care cannot be provided in young children due to insufficient manual dexterity, the child’s teeth should be brushed twice a day by the parents.
Fluoride-free toothpastes produced for children aged 0-3 years should be used. When the child gets a little older and is no longer able to swallow toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste specially produced for children should be used. Until children are 6-7 years old, their tooth brushing habits should be controlled by mom or dad.
It is difficult for preschool children to brush their teeth with a certain technique. The brush to be chosen should be of a size suitable for the child’s age and oral structure, with nylon bristles and rounded bristles.
Flossing should be taught after the child has acquired tooth brushing skills.