Toothbrushing and flossing

Effective brushing. How can tooth decay be prevented? The secret is daily, consisstent removal of dental plaque before it does its nasty work. First, a tip about cleaning babies'teeth: use a soft-bristled toothbrush. There is a myth that one should use a soft gauze or cloth to wipe a baby's teeth and gums so as not to damage the delicate gum tissue. Those 'delicate' gum tissues chew on table legs, cots, coffee tables, siblings and anything else in their way. A baby's gums are no more delicate than alligator hide. Brush, don't wipe. babies love it.
A child's teeth should be carefully brushed after breakfast and before bedtime, with daily flossing between adjoining teeth, usually before the evening brushing. If possible, an after-lunch brushing is helpful too, to remove food residue. Starting at about two, your child may insist on doing everything herself, but most young children do not have the manual dexterity required for proper brushing and flossing until they are nine or ten years old. You can let your young child begin the brushing by herself from the earliest ages, but you will probably need to finish up to ensure that all dental plaque has been eliminated. You can gradually let your child take over completely when she proves capable, usually between six and ten years.

Flossing. Some parents question the need to floss a child's teeth. Most teeth in the back of a child's mouth are in close contact with those on either side. Even some front teeth may be in tight contact with their neighbours. Such teeth are so close together that food and dental plaque can get wedged in between. No matter how vigorously or carefully they are brushed, the bristles cannot penetrate to clear out the food and plaque. Dental floss disrupts and dislodges that debris so that the toothbrush can sweep it away.
It's worth getting your child used to gentle flossing as soon as you notice food wedged between her teeth. Your child's dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate all the methods used to hold a child for perfect brushing and flossing. Best of all, when your child is able to brush and floss effectively without your help, she will already be accustomed to the daily habit.