Patient's question:
My child is in the teething stage. Since an hour ago, his mother has been using a piece of gauze wrapped around her finger to clean his mouth and his small teeth for him. This is because both my wife and I have yellow teeth and cavities, and we are afraid that he will end up looking the same way as us, with unattractive yellow teeth. Therefore, we are handling it as early as possible.What kind of help do I need: When should a toddler start brushing their teeth?
Doctor's answer:
When the 20 milk teeth have fully erupted, it is time to start practicing brushing the face. When washing the face, use the vertical brushing method to thoroughly remove any unclean substances from the teeth gaps. Brush the gumline of the upper teeth from top to bottom, and brush the gumline of the lower teeth from bottom to top. Use a toothbrush with two rows of bristles, each row with 4 to 6 bristles, and a soft-bristled toothpaste for children. After each use, shake off the water, turn the bristles upward, and place it in a well-ventilated area to air dry, preventing bacteria from growing on the damp bristles. It is important to wash the face every morning and evening, especially in the evening, to prevent residual food from being fermented by bacteria overnight, producing acid and eroding the tooth surface.