Make sure your children brush and floss regularly. As soon as your child's first tooth appears, begin wiping it and your child's gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. When your child is able, help your child brush well with a very small amount of a child's non-fluoride toothpaste. By age four, most children are able to brush by themselves, with supervision and gentle reminders. It is easier for your child to learn good dental care habits early on than to break bad habits later. Choose a small toothbrush with soft bristles designed for children. Check your child's toothbrush often and replace it when worn. Wear occurs quickly because children often brush with uneven strokes and sometimes chew on the brush. Bent bristles cannot clean plaque away from teeth and can hurt the gums. Brush and floss your child's teeth daily, until your child can do so alone. By age seven, your child should be able to brush alone. By age eight, most children are able to floss by themselves with supervision. Remind your child of the benefits of regular brushing and flossing. | 
