DON'T deprive your child of sweets or chocolate, but make him befriend his toothbrush to protect his tooth against caries, dentists advise mothers. “It is difficult for a child to use a toothbrush alone when his teeth first appear, so his mother should help him,” says Dr Adel Abdel-Fattah, a dental medicine consultant. He urges mothers to choose a toothbrush for their children with soft bristles and attractive colours and pictures. The toothbrush must be the right size too, depending on age of the child, while mothers must choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride (which protects the teeth) with a flavour the child likes and one that won't harm him if he swallows it. “A mother should stand besides her child before the mirror and show him how to use his toothbrush. A good brushing technique is very important. Brushing in a circular motion ensures the gum line and fronts, backs and tops of the teeth all get seen to,” says Dr Abdel- Fattah. He stresses that mothers should also ensure that their children eat the right kinds of food, while rinsing their mouths with water after each meal and snack will help wash off some of the particles of food and juice. Some snacks and juices can be really harmful to children's teeth and that is why water is very important in keeping them healthy. “Making sure that your kids drink some water after meals will help their teeth stay healthy. You should instil the habit of using a toothbrush regularly, even if it requires giving your children rewards,” he comments.
