Parents Center: Tooth Care (age 5 to 8)

What's the best way for my child to brush her teeth?

Have her use a soft nylon-bristle child's toothbrush. Keep in mind that if your child is younger than school age she may swallow toothpaste, so she should only use a pea-sized amount. Have her gently brush the teeth on both the outside and inside surfaces twice a day. Try to encourage her to brush her tongue as well, to dislodge the bacteria that can cause bad breath. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn or splayed out.

When is my child ready to start brushing her own teeth?
As soon as she is willing and able, it's a good idea to let her try to brush her own teeth. Kids usually get the hang of it by school age. Until she does, brush your teeth while she's doing hers, and then "check" each other's teeth to see if they're clean. If her teeth sparkle and reflect light, she's done a good job. If not, tell her you think she "missed a spot" and finish the job for her. Most children do not have the coordination to brush their teeth adequately until they have mastered using a knife and fork.

What should I do if my child won't brush?
If your child fusses every time it's time to brush, it might help to buy her a toothbrush or paste with a special cartoon character on it. According to Liz Birka White, a mother of three in Diablo, California, this worked well for all of her children: "Adam, my firstborn, really hated brushing until I bought him an Elmo toothbrush. From that day on, he couldn't get enough. It was just the ticket I needed to interest him in brushing." You can also let your child have several brushes in different colors so that she can choose the one she wants when it's time to brush.

When does my child need fluoride and how can I tell if she's getting the right amount?
Developing teeth can certainly benefit from a little fluoride. This mineral prevents tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acids and harmful bacteria. Most municipal water supplies are fortified with fluoride. (Call your local water authority or ask your dentist about yours.) If it isn't, or if you get your water from a well, consider buying a test kit from a hardware store to determine the fluoride level in your water supply. If it's less than .3 parts per million, ask your pediatrician whether you should give your child a supplement. He can prescribe a fluoride supplement in the form of drops or chewable tablets. The recommended dosage per day is .25 milligrams for children under 3, .5 mg for kids 3 to 6, and 1 mg for kids over 6.

A little fluoride is a good thing for your child's teeth, but swallowing too much of it over time can lead to a condition called fluorosis that can cause white spots to show up on her adult teeth. If you live in an area with fluoridated water, your child is most likely getting plenty of fluoride. Bottled water and fruit juices may also contain fluoride, although the amount is rarely listed on the label.

When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and most pediatric dentists say it's a good idea to bring your child to a dentist around the time she turns 1. If you haven't yet taken your child to the dentist, make an appointment soon, especially if you notice any signs of tooth decay such as mouth pain, particularly while eating.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com