Choosing a baby toothbrush.
Taking good care of your baby’s dental health as early as when the first set of milt teeth pokes out will have a big impact on the overall dental health as they continue to grow. How you choose the ideal toothbrush for your baby will depend on how old the baby is and the number of teeth they have.
Criteria Used in Choosing a Baby Toothbrush
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 a smaller head, 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 babies’ 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 your child’s entire mouth is fully cleaned.
Here are some of the important features to consider when shopping for a baby’s toothbrush.
- Choose a toothbrush with a small head that fits snugly in your baby’s mouth. Also, remember how little your toddler’s hands are and choose a toothbrush with a thinner handle that will fit comfortably in their hands.
- Ensure that the toothbrush that you choose has soft bristles that won’t cause harm to your baby’s smooth and sensitive gums.
- The material used to make that tooth should be safe and preferably be BPA and phthalate-free.
- If you are going to use toothpaste, use a small portion such as a rice-sized grain smear of fluoride toothpaste that contains no colors or any artificial flavors.
- Make sure that you pick out a toothbrush that’s suitable for your child’s current age. You don’t want an overly large toothbrush that’s uncomfortable for your child to handle or use.
- Makes sure that you brush your baby’s teeth twice a day.
- Change the toothbrush after every three months or sooner if the bristles are worn out. Replacing old toothbrushes prevents the buildup of mouth bacteria.
What Kind of Baby’s Toothbrushes are there?
The good thing about baby toothbrushes is that they come in different shapes to choose from. Kid’s toothbrushes are generally inexpensive and if your toddler decides to hate one type, you can choose another type and not run out of money. Here are some of the most common kid’s toothbrushes.
- Baby gum toothbrush.
A baby gum toothbrush cleans a baby’s gums before or as the first set of teeth emerges. Most of the baby gum brushes will fit on your finger like a thimble while others are available in a wipe form that you can wrap around your finger. With such a toothbrush, you don’t need any toothpaste since the wiping action will handle the cleaning. Furthermore, gum brushes work best in mouths that are less toothy and gummier.
- Finger toothbrushes.
Every baby loves finger toothbrushes especially those with sensitive gums that make them want to stick everything inside their mouth. Finger toothbrushes have extra-soft bristles and work best for babies with only a few teeth. With this kind of toothbrush, you will be the one to introduce them to brushing their teeth, then you can let them take over when they are comfortable. Make sure that they don’t bite them too hard and hurt their fingers.
- Electric toothbrushes.
Kids love electric gadgets and electric toothbrushes are no exemption. They are easy to use and some come with timers that help your child brush with the recommended two minutes each session. Add a little bit of baby toothpaste and wave the brush across the baby’s teeth and gums while it whirs.
- Manual toothbrushes.
This is a normal toddler toothbrush with a larger head and more bristles than those in finger toothbrushes. Manual kid’s toothbrushes will help your baby reach their molars that start to show when a child is about two years old.
What Should I do if My Baby Hates Brushing His/Her 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
The key to keeping your baby’s clean and bright white is by starting to brush them as early as the first set appears. If you know anything about babies and toddlers, you know how stubborn they can be. If you want to avoid standoffs and meltdowns when it comes to brushing their teeth, make sure that you get them a toothbrush that they’ll love to use. Choosing a baby toothbrush made easier.