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How to take care of our teeth
Protecting our teeth from tooth decay, erosion, and gum disease will help them last a lifetime. Brushing teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste helps prevent dental disease, especially brushing them before we go to bed.
Tips for brushing teeth
- Brush together, make it a joint activity and use lots of praise!
- If your child likes to chomp on toothbrushes, give them one to chew on while you can use another to clean their teeth and gums!
- You don't have to be at the sink to brush your teeth! You can sit on the end of a bed/ or chair, spitting out into a cup or a paper towel- the aim is to get teeth brushed!
- Don't worry if you only get a limited time to brush your child's teeth, start by brushing the ones you missed last time! Brushed is best!
- Remember you DON'T need to rinse your mouth out with water after brushing
- If the toothbrush is looking flat and chewed- replace it!
Other things to remember
- Milk and plain tap water are the only tooth-friendly cold drinks for small children.
- Drinking juice or squash in a bottle is not good for teeth.
- Drinking out of a open-top is best for children. Did you know these can be used from the age of 6 months!
- Dried fruit like raisins is not good for teeth. Try to keep these to a meal time instead of snack time!
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How to brush your teeth PDF
