There are 3+ billion parents in the world who wonder about the mystery behind the right time to begin brushing your baby's teeth, therefore we assure you, you are not alone. Every parent asks the same question: When should I brush my baby's teeth? You might be inclined to think that, it is when their teeth start to emerge, however, the correct answer may surprise you! Even before those tiny teeth emerge, caring for your baby's oral health is crucial. You can start a gentle oral hygiene routine even before the first tooth appears.
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
One effective way to maintain oral hygiene is by wiping your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeding. This practice helps remove bacteria and keeps their gums clean. Moreover, it familiarises your baby with the sensation of oral care. Once the first tooth peeks through, which usually occurs around six months of age, you can introduce a baby toothbrush and water to gently brush the tooth and surrounding gums. If you wish to learn more about when babies usually start teething, we got our parents cover with our blog there too! Read along to learn more about how to brush your little one’s teeth in the correct way.
How do you brush baby’s teeth?
Your little one’s tiny teeth started to emerge and naturally, you want to find out what every other parent asks on how to brush baby’s teeth. Well, brushing your baby's teeth requires a delicate touch, patience, and an abundance of love. Follow these simple steps to ensure you're doing it the right way:
- Select the Right Toothbrush: Choose a soft-bristled, age-appropriate baby toothbrush. Opt for a baby brush for teething with a small head and a long handle to comfortably reach all areas of your baby's mouth.
- Stick to Water: For babies under 18 months old, water alone is sufficient for tooth brushing. Avoid using toothpaste at this age, as they may not be able to spit it out, and swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can lead to dental fluorosis.
- Find Comfort: Find a comfortable position for you and your baby during tooth brushing. You can cradle your baby in your arms, lay them on a changing table, or sit on the floor with their head in your lap.
- Brush Gently: Moisten the toothbrush with water and use gentle circular motions to clean the tooth and gums. Pay attention to both the front and back surfaces of the tooth. As more teeth erupt, continue to brush them gently.
- Make It Enjoyable: Tooth brushing time can be a fun and bonding experience for you and your baby. Sing a song, make funny faces, or use a baby toothbrush with colourful designs to make it an enjoyable activity.
- Be Consistent: Make tooth brushing a part of your daily routine. Brush your baby's teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Consistency is crucial for establishing good oral hygiene habits early on.
- Introduce Fluoride Toothpaste: Once your child reaches 18 months to 2 years old, you can start using a smear of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush. Gradually increase the amount to a pea-sized dab at 3 years of age.
Taking care of your baby's oral health is a journey that begins even before those adorable teeth make their appearance. By gently wiping their gums and starting a regular tooth brushing routine as soon as the first tooth emerges, you lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Choose an age-appropriate toothbrush, use water for babies under 18 months, and introduce fluoride toothpaste as they grow older.
Make tooth brushing an enjoyable experience for your baby by bonding and having fun together. By making it a consistent part of your daily routine, you will instil good oral hygiene habits that will benefit your child's dental health for years to come. Remember, healthy teeth and gums begin with early and loving care. Happy brushing!
For additional tips and resources on baby's oral care, you can dive deep into the Peekaboo blog. We offer valuable insights and guidance to support you on this incredible journey of parenthood.
