When to introduce your baby to using a toothbrush.
With so many milestones to keep track of in the first year after the baby has arrived, your baby’s first set of teeth is one of the important developments in their life. Signs of little teeth popping through the gum line can melt your heart especially if you are a first-time mom.
Babies’ first teeth develop at different times and from the very first tooth, your baby will need proper dental care. Some will wonder why it is important to take care of your baby milk’s teeth and they will be soon replaced with permanent teeth. Taking good care of our baby’s dental habit not only establishes a lifetime of dental health but it also helps in good nutrition and proper health development. Furthermore, decayed milk teeth don’t hold a proper place for the permanent teeth.
So, when should I begin brushing my baby’s first teeth? When to introduce your baby to using a toothbrush
Introducing a toothbrush to your little one can start as early as when the baby’s first set of teeth pokes out. Before that, when your baby’s mouth is just a gummy smile, you should use a wet piece of cloth or a finger brush to wipe the gums clean and remove bacteria. As soon as a set of teeth begins to appear above the gum line, it’s recommended that you use a clean, damp washcloth or a finger brush to gently clean the first teeth and the front part of your baby’s tongue after meals and before bedtime. This will prevent food or milk from sitting on their mouth overnight.
Pediatric dentists also recommend that baby’s toothbrushes should be soft and have not more than three rows of bristles. The toothbrush should be moistened with water a rice-grain size smear of fluoride toothpaste should be used. The toothbrush should be replaced after 2-4 months of use to prevent the build-up of mouth bacteria.
Should I brush my baby’s gums?
Yes. Pediatric dentists recommend cleaning of baby gums regularly after meals. They also recommend the use of a damp and soft cloth to do so instead of using a toothbrush. You can also use a soft rubber or silicone finger brush, all of which are gentle options to your baby’s soft gums and they have a nubby texture that all babies tend to love.
Should babies use fluoride toothpaste?
Pediatric dentists recommend the use of cavity preventing fluoride toothpaste starting with the first set of baby’s teeth. It is recommended that you use a small smear of toothpaste, preferably rice-grain size, and increase it as your baby gets older. You don’t have to worry if your baby swallows some of the toothpaste. In such a minimal quantity, it won’t have any effect on your baby’s health. Overconsumption of this may result in an upset stomach and if this happens, it is recommended that your kid consumes dairy as this can bind with the fluoride in the stomach. As they grow older, you can teach your baby to spit after brushing. Furthermore, over time excessive consumption of fluoride results to tooth enamel damage. It is therefore important to use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste depending on your baby’s age.
How do you brush the baby’s teeth?
You begin brushing your baby’s gums with a washcloth and some water or a finger brush and some water. Gently wipe all around the gums and always make sure that you get under the lip region to help prevent any bacteria build-up. After your baby’s teeth start to poke out of the gums but before they learn how to spit, use a damp and soft brush to make gentle circles on all sides of the teeth and along the gum line as well. You may decide to use a smear of fluoride toothpaste, however, it should be small about the size of a rice grain for babies aged 3 years and below. Encourage your child to try spitting the toothpaste as much as they are able to. Furthermore, help your child angle down their mouth so that the toothpaste can dribble out into the sink before they learn how to spit it out.
How to choose the best toothbrush for a baby
The age of your baby and the number of teeth they have will play a big role in which toothbrush you choose for them. If your baby has just started teething, a finger brush will be a great option. This will prepare them for a larger sized toothbrush as they continue to teeth and also give you a chance to clean away all bacteria off the gums so that their growing teeth can have a clean and healthy environment to grow in.
As your child’s teeth continue to develop, you should start to take a more active role in their dental hygiene by introducing them to a teeth-style brush. These allow your baby to experience controlling a toothbrush like an item in their mouth which allows a little dental cleaning at the same time. Furthermore, babies have a tendency to stick everything inside their mouth as they develop teeth and such a toothbrush will keep them relieved from the discomfort of teething.
Once your child has teeth, it will be time to introduce them to the child’s toothbrush. Child-sized brushes have smaller heads, super soft bristles and they fit better into the nooks and crevices of your child’s mouth. Kid’s toothbrushes come in a variety of colors, patterns, and shapes to appeal to different baby’s interests. Some kid’s toothbrushes also feature larger handles that make it easier for kids to handle. Adult supervision is however required to ensure that the entire mouth is fully cleaned.
What to do if your baby hates brushing their teeth.
Kids are different and you will find those that are always looking forward to cleaning their teeth while some are always resistant. When a baby is teething, her gums are sore, tender, and sensitive as well. In such a case, you are recommended to use a soft washcloth ad a gentle touch. As your baby gets older, make it a routine to brush your teeth together with your baby. Seeing their dad or mom brushing makes kids want to brush their teeth as well. Furthermore, you can also consider investing in a light-up or motorized toothbrush which makes the process a little more fun. Another way to inspire the kids to brush their teeth is by rewarding them after every successful brushing process. This inspires a little extra effort and a positive attitude towards brushing their teeth.
Conclusion
You should start to take care of your child’s dental health as soon as the first set of teeth pokes out. Take care of your child’s teeth and later on, both you and your child will always be grateful that you took care of their dental health.