Facts

If your baby has no teeth, you can wipe baby’s gum with a soft cloth before bed after feeding.
As soon as a tooth appears, please introduce a toothbrush, no toothpaste is required at this stage. Introducing the motion of brushing will allow the child to becomecomfortable as they get older.
As more teeth appear and as you start solids, you can start to use a smear of kids toothpaste and brush their teeth morning and night. They do not need to rinse theirmouth or spit out.
Ideally bottle feeding overnight should stop at 12 months, as this can cause decay.

Dummies should also be weaned by 18 months as this will allow the muscles and teeth to form correctly.
Try not to share utensils or clean dummies with your mouth as this can transfer cavity causing bacteria.
Around 24 months, your child should have 20 baby teeth. Yes, baby teeth do fall out but it is important to brush and have optimal oral hygiene because:
These teeth are space savers for adult teeth

If decay causing bacteria start in baby teeth, they can also cause decay in adult teeth.
The first baby tooth should fall out between ages 5-8 yrs.
At this time 4 adult molars (big teeth behind the last baby teeth) should erupt- these are the 6 year old molars – please ensure these teeth are brushed especially at night – as they do not fall out.
Your child doesn’t have the dexterity to brush on their own (I know how independent they want to be). I would advise to give them a brush and you have a brush, that way they still feel like they are in control.

It is very important to check that the teeth from the canine backwards are brushed very well, as they do not usually fall out till the child is 9+ years.
Please minimise sugary foods and drinks. Water is the best drink.
Brushing at night is non-negotiable. Food and plaque must be removed from teeth to ensure a healthy mouth.
Don’t forget to brush the tongue.