Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to several other complications in the body, because the bacteria can travel with the food into the stomach and create havoc. It is best to prevent such conditions; hence tooth care products like toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss and mouthwash should be carefully chosen and used properly.

The fluoride in every toothpaste helps to kill bacteria in the mouth. But the amount of fluoride which is in the toothpaste, which you choose for yourself and your family, should be checked by you. There are standard family toothpastes, children’s toothpastes, sensitive and whitening toothpastes as well as natural toothpastes. Children’s toothpastes should contain a minimum amount of fluoride and whitening toothpaste is only for adults. The natural variety of toothpaste should be encouraged, as any kind of natural product has no chemicals and is based on plants and herbs.

Using an electric toothbrush is entirely your choice, but dentists claim that the electric toothbrush has shown better results in removing plaque and cleaning than a manual toothbrush. Take advice from your dentist on how to brush with it. But with built-in timers and oscillation movements, the electric toothbrush holds quite a fascination for children, and they are encouraged to perform their daily brushing routine with enthusiasm.

A mouthwash at the end of the brushing procedure adds to the cleaning of the teeth. The fluoride mouthwashes and the antiseptic mouthwashes are sometimes recommended by dentists to heal gum infection and growth of bacteria in the mouth. Unfortunately most of the mouthwashes have high alcohol content; hence children should be kept away from them.

Above all, children should be made aware of dental hygiene and brushing twice a day, using the brush properly, flossing and cleaning the mouth after each meal; these habits should be imbibed from a very young age. When you smile, your clean white teeth show how much you care for them to keep them healthy and beautiful.