Once children get their first teeth you must care for the teeth right from the start with daily brushing. This is important to prevent tooth decay .
Brushing your child’s teeth : Initially you can use a soft bristled toothbrush, with no toothpaste to clean the teeth 2-3 times a day. After your child turns 18 months you can start using a toothpaste suitable for toddlers.
Seeing a dentist : As soon as your child turns one it’s time to schedule a dental visit . This is important for early detection of tooth decay and other problems. Don’t wait for them to start school or until there’s a dental emergency . Within GESY healthcare all children are entitled to one visit per year to the dentist for a routine check- up .
Other tips to prevent tooth decay : The most common cause of tooth decay is prolonged exposure of teeth to sugar
Limit sugary drinks ( juice and sodas ) and sweets to a minimum , for example twice a week.
Switch from a bottle to a beaker cup early . Between 12 and 18 months you should aim to teach your baby to drink from a beaker cup. Drinking milk or juice from a bottle is associated with increased risk of tooth decay.