A healthy mouth is a very important part of a child’s overall health and development. A healthy smile affects who we communicate, nutrition, our facial profile and our confidence. A healthy smile begins from when our teeth are developing in our mother’s womb. However we first see the evidence when a child approaches six months of age is when the first set, called Primary teeth are formed and then a child’s “adult “ or Permanent teeth start to develop at age six . It is very important from when the child is born to make sure their oral health is taken care of as it will have lifelong effects.

How do you begin this journey to proper oral health?

• You as a parent either breast feeding or giving your child a bottle please make sure that they finish before they fall asleep. Around age 1 begin to encourage your child to drink from cups

• After each feeding, wipe your child’s gums with a clean, damp cloth or rag

• Try not to share saliva with the baby either by sharing feeding spoons or licking pacifiers.

• Lead by example allow your child to see your brushing flossing habits

• When your child’s teeth come in, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and a smear (or grain of rice sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste until the age of 3

• . For children ages 3–6: Use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.

• Flossing once a day should begin as early as 2 ½ -3 years

• Brush Twice daily

• Supervise brushing up to ages 6-7 years old

During the first few months of development the paediatrician will check your child’s teeth and gums to ensure their health but starting from age 1 or 6 months after the first tooth has come up the child should have their first visit to the dentist .Thereafter should visit the dentist twice a year. For regular check-ups, cleanings or fluoride treatments. A regular dental check-up with the dentist will make sure all teeth are developing normally and that there are no problems