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Topic Overview

When your child's first teeth come in, start cleaning them with a soft cloth or gauze pad. As more teeth come in, clean teeth with a soft toothbrush. Because too much fluoride can be toxic and can stain a child's teeth, ask your doctor or dentist if it's okay to use fluoride toothpaste.

Brush your child's teeth twice a day. When your doctor or dentist says it's okay, use a dab of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a green pea. Brush your child's teeth from behind.

• Kneel down behind your child and have him or her stand between your knees, facing away from you.
• With one hand, gently press your child's head against your chest.
• With the other hand, brush his or her teeth. You may also push away the upper and lower lips to make it easier to get to the teeth.
• Pay special attention to where the teeth meet the gums.

Related Information

• Basic Dental Care
• Tooth Decay

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