When the child is already 2 years old, it should receive its first toothbrush. Now the market has a large assortment of brushes but it is better for the child to choose toothbrush for children. Choose also appropriate toothpaste.

You should constantly show and help your child in brushing its teeth. Thus it will become its habit. Of course, it is hard for the child to handle the toothbrush so you should help it until it gets to the age of six and can handle it properly.

It is important for the child to visit the dentist every 6 months. Caries amongst children develops very quickly.

Every baby is born with a set of 20 teeth hidden beneath the gums. Just before they erupt you should be able to feel the indentations of the teeth by running your finger along your baby’s gums. The first set of teeth, called the milk teeth (also called baby teeth or deciduous teeth), usually begin to erupt at about six months, although they can appear earlier (and very rarely, a child is born with a tooth already in place).

The first teeth to erupt are usually the front four teeth (the incisors), typically the bottom teeth followed by the top. The baby’s back teeth, called the first molars, usually appear when the child is between thirteen and nineteen months old. The first molars sit just behind the canine teeth. At around sixteen to twenty-two months of age, the canine teeth emerge. Finally, the second molars, at the back of the mouth erupt.
Keeping a close eye on your baby you should be able to spot the signs of teething. Some of the more common teething symptoms include; general irritability, fussiness when feeding, excessive drooling (sometimes accompanied by a rash), chewing on everything that comes to hand, diarrhea and diaper rash – sometimes very red and spotty.

Teething remedies are varied. The most effective is to take your baby’s mind off the discomfort. Giving your baby lots of cuddles and playing often works. You can also massage your baby’s gums, using a wet finger or soothing gels and other products from the chemist: experts caution against the excessive use of teething gels as they contain benzocaine – there is a risk of allergic reaction. Teething rings are also very effective – especially when first placed in a fridge and cooled. You can use natural, old-fashioned rings, such as bagels, bread or even vegetables.

Natural Homeopathic teething remedies include a stick of licorice and chamomilla. Any parent contemplating using a homeopathic remedy for teething should do so only in conjunction with expert medical advice.There are more homeopathic teething remedies you can try.

1. Use a tongue scraper

A film of food particles is usually found on the tongue and cannot be completely removed with a brush. Microorganisms feed on the food residue and emit sulfurous or acidic compounds that cause decay or bad breath.

2. Change your brush

This should be done regularly every two or three months. Many people think that because the bristles are not frayed or spread their brush can be used longer. However, all brushes need to be replaced every two or three months. Otherwise you would just be putting more bacteria back into your mouth.

3. A diet for white teeth

Avoid red wine, tea, coffee and soda. These liquids, just like smoking, can stain the teeth and cause yellowing. If they cannot be avoided then brush immediately or rinse your mouth after consuming them.

4. Eat brushing foods

Apples, popcorn, fresh celery and carrots are foods that help clean the teeth while they are being eaten. Their crispness helps remove bacteria and food residue from the mouth. Save them for the last part of the meal especially when you have no time or opportunity to brush after eating.

5. Natural gargles and an alternative cleaning agent

Apple cider helps remove stains and whiten teeth and it also has antibacterial properties. Gargle apple cider in the morning or evening just before brushing. Baking soda can remove yellowing when used once a week. It can be used like powdered toothpaste but if your gums become too sensitive then you can switch to salt. The use of salt once a week has similar effects but baking soda produces a more noticeable difference.

6. Look at alcohol free mouthwashes

Antiseptic mouthwashes with alcohol dry out the mouth. A dry mouth is a better breeding place for bacteria and decay so make sure to get a mouth rinse without alcohol. If you already have dry-mouth as a side-effect for taking a number of medications then consider chewing on sugarless gum. This will stimulate the flow of saliva for a healthier mouth.

7. Make flossing a habit

Keep extra floss in your bag, in the car or in your office where you can easily find and use them after a meal or a snack. Having food stuck between your teeth for a considerable amount of time is never a good thing. Brush twice a day at the very least, before going to bed and after waking up in the morning are crucial times for brushing to get rid of the bacteria build-up that has occurred during sleep.

A cosmetic dentist can assess the overall health of your teeth and mouth and will make the necessary recommendations on what cosmetic dentistry procedure or treatments suits you best. You may get a restorative or a reconstructive dental procedure with results you can see in a few hours, or go for the longer treatments that need years to complete.

Cosmetic dentists differ from the general dental practitioner in the sense that most of the general dentists address emergency problems like a throbbing toothache but a cosmetic dentist is more on the aesthetic side, more focused in restoring your appearance and enhancing your smile. Aided with the latest tools and state-of-the-art technology, a cosmetic dentist can craft the necessary components to produce that you need.

Finding a reputable cosmetic dentist should be the first important step you must do to ensure that you get only the best results. Faulty dental practice or some other factors may have caused your teeth to be stained, discolored, crooked, or even missing but all these can be treated. Cosmetic dentistry procedures do not come cheap. You may have to shell out from hundreds to thousands of pounds to get treatment but the money you pay out will be worth it. You may find dentists who offer low prices but remember you usually get what you pay for.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures vary depending on what you need. Common types of cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening where you have the option of going for laser procedures or the traditional home teeth whitening procedures, dental bonding which fixes defects on the surface of your teeth, porcelain veneers which provides a more natural look albeit priced a little bit higher, dental crowns and others. You still need to follow proper dental practices to maintain the health of your teeth after a cosmetic dentistry procedure.

With Masterpiece Smiles, you’re not just getting a dentist office; you’re getting a partner. As one of the leading cosmetic and general dentistry offices in St. Louis, they work with you to create a custom look that is not only attractive but natural looking. You can feel comfortable knowing you and your family have a dentist that listens to your needs and incorporates them into the smile you’ve always dreamed of.Dr. Mike Frith is St. Louis’ first accredited cosmetic dentist by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a distinction awarded to less than 1% of cosmetic dentists nationwide. He was also named the Top Dentist in St. Louis as voted by other dentists by St. Louis Magazine in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

We recommend a soft bristled brush with a small head. The soft bristles are most important for the health of your gums. A small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums.Daily frequency of brushing and replacement with a new brush are much more important issues than the brand you choose.

We recommend replacing your brush at least once a month.

My employees and I all brush, on average, 5 times a day. We brush first thing in the morning, after each meal and at the end of the day .

If you are not able to do this because of your busy schedule, we recommend brushing twice a day at a bare minimum.”