Causes of caries and consequencesBacteria cause caries – they turn sugar from food into acids, which damage the teeth. The microorganisms do not originate in the mouth of the child but are transmitted through saliva – usually from the closest caregivers.

Teething time-planTooth development begins during the sixth week of pregnancy.

At the time of birth, the crowns of the primary teeth are already fi nished. The fi rst tooth is usually visible between the sixth and eighth month. The primary teeth are complete with eight incisors, four canines and eight molars.

Proper oral careOral hygiene begins at birth. First, use a soft microfi ber cloth (e.g. MAM Oral Care Rabbit) to clean the baby’s gums and get the child used to daily dental care.

As soon as the fi rst tooth is visible, things really get started. It’s time for the fi rst trip to the dentist and parents brush the children’s teeth with special baby toothbrushes (e.g. MAM Training Brush). If the baby takes medication, the dentist will decide whether a prophylaxis is needed.

Brushing & Toothpaste For babies, every evening after eating. Children from two years brush their teeth mornings and evenings. Use a baby toothbrush and fl uoride (500ppm fl uoride), unfl a-voured toothpaste. Your dentist can help with information about the right amount of fl uoride.

With MAM toothbrushes, dosing is simple: The toothpaste goes right on the pink bristles. Just a touch is enough for babies and a pea-sized amount is ideal for toddlers.

Oral hygiene from the start

Recommended toothpaste amount, baby

Recommended toothpaste amount, toddler

14–18

18–248–10

24–30

14–18

18–24

24–30

14–18

10–146–8

24–30

14–18

10–14

24–30

Upper jaw

Lower jaw

Tooth eruption times in months

Brushing techniqueThe “COl Technique” the secret to proper brushing:

First the chewing surfaces, then the outer and lastly, the inner. Brush from “red to white“, that is, from gum to tooth. Parents set examples for their children – for brushing too! Children are happy when they can use their own toothbrush (e.g. MAM First Brush) to brush their teeth.

Since they cannot master the technique until they are of school age, it is important that parents do a follow-up brushing for them until the age of 8.

Information about all of our products at mambaby.comMAM Babyartikel GmbH · Lorenz-Mandl-Gasse 50 · 1160 Vienna, Austria · Tel.: +43 1 49 141 0 · offi ce@mambaby.com · Copyright 2012

This information sheet was produced in cooperation with Dr. Yvonne Wagner, Dentist at the Jena University Clinic for Preventive Dentistry

Chewing surfaces Outer surfaces

Inner surfaces

Brushing positions Here’s how, lying down: The baby lies on the changing table or in bed for brushing. Brushing goes easier when the parent gently lifts up the baby’s lip.

If the baby is sitting in a high chair or your lap, it’s time for the “Heartbeat Position”: The parent is behind the baby and gently caresses the baby’s head with the left hand. It now rests against the chest and can hear the parent’s reassuring heartbeat. With the left index fi nger, the adult pulls the baby’s lips up and cleans with the right hand.

The right foodsBabies easily learn good dental care and healthy eating from their parents:

Eat together and at regular times Water and unsweetened tea for thirst Acidic drinks and fruit juices only with meals Beware of hidden sugar in foods Sweets for dessert, not as frequent between meal snacks Regularly clean spoon and soother, never lick them off Tooth friendly sweets are available at the pharmacy Neutralise sticky and sugary food by brushing the teeth