Dental care should begin in infancy. The first milk teeth begin to erupt around 6 months. It is necessary to start cleaning and care of teeth immediately in this period. The first teeth can be cleaned by wiping with a sterile piece of gauze or a clean cheesecloth. As the baby grows and the number of teeth increases, brushing should be continued with a toothbrush that is suitable for development, first without paste and then with a very small amount of toothpaste suitable for children. Teeth cleaning should be part of the baby’s daily care.
It is necessary to carefully clean the teeth twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. The important point in this regard is that night brushing is done before going to bed. In this way, it is ensured that children do not eat or drink anything after brushing their teeth. However, since babies are fed during the night, the mouth should be cleaned with at least water by giving a bottle or some water after breastfeeding so that there is no milk or food residue in their mouths.
An important point is that the family is responsible for the child’s first 8-9 years of oral and dental health. Toothbrushes can be used in children around the age of 2–2.5 years. The choice of toothpaste should also be made in accordance with the age of the child. Children’s toothpastes contain less fluoride and abrasive substances, so this type of paste should be preferred until the child reaches 8-9 years of age. It is also very important that the toothpaste is not swallowed by the child, so brushing should be done with the help of the family until the child reaches the age of 8-9, after this age, it should be controlled only by giving the responsibility to him gradually.
