Health Tip: Cleaning a Young Child's Teeth
(HealthDay News) -- Oral care is important even for newborns, long before a child's first tooth emerges.
The American Dental Association mentions these oral-care tips for infants and young children:
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Starting within a few days after birth, gently wipe baby's gums clean with a clean and moist washcloth or gauze pad.
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Once teeth appear, gently brush them with a child-sized toothbrush and some water.
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Once your child is older than 2 years, brush with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste.
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When your child has two teeth that touch, floss the teeth each day.
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Continue to brush your child's teeth twice daily until you're sure he or she can brush without help.
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