Even before babies develop their first teeth, their gums should be cleaned with a clean damp cloth wrapped around your finger after each meal. It is not recommended to let them sleep or fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice, which contain sugars that can eat away at dental enamel.

Once the first teeth start to appear, they should be brushed with a soft- or extra-soft  bristle toothbrush, and dental floss should be used between teeth that touch. It is also strongly recommended that children be weaned from the bottle once they reach 12 to 14 months, and instead drink from a glass, to prevent continuous and prolonged contact between liquids and their teeth.

As children grow, it is important for parents to teach them how to look after their teeth by brushing and flossing regularly. Children lack the dexterity to brush properly, and so should be supervised by a parent when brushing.

Preventive dentistry has many advantages for children. Children with healthy teeth:

• chew more easily and absorb more nutrients from food than their counterparts with dental problems
• learn to speak more quickly and express themselves more clearly
• are more likely to be healthy, because oral disease can affect a child's overall health
• have more self-confidence

Brushing for very young children

• Use a small toothbrush.
• Dab on a small quantity of toothpaste for children, about the size of a grain of rice for children under two, and a pea for children from two to six.
• Make sure the child doesn’t swallow fluoride toothpaste.
• When all the primary teeth are in contact, start flossing.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural element that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Children may be exposed to fluoride in four ways:

• in the water
• in fluoride toothpaste
• through fluoride treatment at the dentist’s office or at school
• in fluoride supplements (tablets or pastilles)

Fluoride supplements are necessary only for children at high risk of cavities. Before prescribing them, your dentist will give your child a complete examination and evaluate the risk of caries.

The public health branch of the Quebec department of health and social services (MSSS) has established a Quebec-wide program for drinking water fluoridation. See the table of participating municipalities.

The Ordre des dentistes du Québec supports the judicious use of fluoride to prevent dental caries. See the ODQ guidelines on fluoride supplements.

Fluorosis

Young children who swallow too much toothpaste can develop dental fluorosis, so it is important to supervise children under six while they are brushing. Adults should brush the teeth of children under three.

Slight fluorosis produces white stains on the child’s teeth, but is not dangerous.  Fluorosis does not occur in adults.

Dental health and sweets

Whenever children eat or drink sweet food or beverages, particles remain on and between their teeth. If they aren't removed by brushing and flossing, bacteria in the mouth transform the sugars in the particles into acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel and over time create a cavity.

Some tips for protecting children’s teeth:

• It is best to eat sweets after a meal. There is more saliva at that point, which helps to eliminate the excess sugar and neutralize some of the acids that attack the teeth.
• Ask your children to brush their teeth right after eating sweets, if possible. Otherwise, give them a glass of water, as that will help to dilute some of the sugars and acids.
• Avoid soft, sticky candies that get stuck between the teeth.
• Remind your children to brush their teeth and floss before bedtime.

The first visit to the dentist

You can visit the dentist for the first time as soon as your child's first teeth come in, or in the next six months – around his or her first birthday. If you suspect a problem, though, you should see your dentist straight away, no matter how old your child is.

Your dentist can give you advice on appropriate preventive measures, including:

• cleaning teeth
• polishing
• fluoride applications and sealing agents to protect teeth against cavities.

During preventive examinations, the dentist will check that your child’s jaws are growing properly and the position of the teeth and tongue when swallowing. Speaking, chewing and esthetic and other problems can be detected and corrected in time.

Your dentist may suggest means of fixing possible future problems or refer the child to an orthodontist, who specializes in treating dental malocclusions.