Children’s hygiene FAQs

The following article will answer the top questions sought after by parents when beginning oral hygiene in young infants.

How should I brush my child’s teeth at each age?

It is advised to brush your child’s teeth until they are 2 years old. After which, you can introduce your child to brushing their teeth with horizontal movements. Continue to accompany your children during brushing and supervise their technique until they are at least seven years old.

How do I choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste for my children?

You should choose a toothbrush which has soft filaments and an ergonomic thick handle that facilitates manoeuvrability. In terms of the toothpaste, children can begin using a fluoride toothpaste of 1000 ppm from the age of 3 as this will help to strengthen the enamel and reduce the chances of developing cavities. The VITIS Junior range meets both criteria.

What can I do to relieve my child’s tooth pain?

Your child will experience tooth pain as their baby teeth begin to develop. At this stage, it is recommended to use various methods to relieve the pain such as a teething gel to alleviate the associated discomfort and to protect the gums whilst providing a refreshing sensation. Alternatively, the use of a teething toy can be given to your baby to put into his/her mouth. Although this has been said, if you notice that the pain is severe then there are other gels for gums that can be given with prescription and under medical supervision.

Should I remove a loose tooth?

No. If your child’s tooth is loose then it means that the permanent tooth is reabsorbing the root of the milk tooth to use as a guide. If you remove the loose tooth prematurely, the permanent tooth loses that guidance and can grow crooked.

I’ve noticed tooth decay in my child’s tooth, should I wait for it to fall out?

No. It is important to treat cavities as soon as possible. If left untreated, the cavities can affect the permanent tooth as well as causing pain and discomfort for your child. For this reason, it is important to visit the dentist from the first year of birth or when the first tooth comes out, followed by routine check-ups every 6 months.