Dr. Victor Siegel - Blog

When did you start brushing your child's teeth?  According to the American Dental Association,  your baby's mouth should be wiped after each feeding within a few days of birth.  After the first tooth has erupted, a child size toothbrush should be used to clean his or her teeth, rinsing with water, until your child is able to spit out toothpaste.  Why is it so important to start brushing at such a young age? Because dentists are increasingly seeing cavities in young children at all income levels.  In fact it is not uncommon to see 6-10 cavities in one preschooler's mouth!  It is not too late to stop, or at least slow down, this problem, however:

• Give your child fluoridated tap water instead of bottled water
• No juice or other sweetened beverages at bedtime
• Limit between meal snacking
• Brush your child's teeth twice a day
• Visit the dentist to have your child assessed for cavity risk