Brushing baby’s teeth- when to start and how?

Dr. Ajay Jain Dr. Ajay Jain Jan 10, 2019 2066 0

Brushing baby’s teeth- when to start and how?

It is said that everyone should brush their teeth three times a day. It is a no-brainer for sure. But, when you talk about babies and their small teeth, it could get a little fuzzy. As babies cannot start on their own, you have to teach them the ABC of brushing to help walk on the correct path of dental care and hygiene. Right from when you begin brushing your baby’s teeth and how to do it in the right way, here are all the details mentioned for you.

When should you start brushing your baby’s teeth?

As all the babies commence getting their teeth at different weeks, there is no standard time to commence brushing. But you can begin brushing your baby’s teeth, when the first two tooth pokes out. As per the AMA (American Dental Association), tooth decay can begin the moment the first baby tooth comes out. Thus, it is important to get the toothbrush in hands of your child right when the first tooth is there.

When to the teeth growth start in babies?

As every parent waits for the first tooth of their baby, it is obvious to enquire when their teeth willgrow. Again you do not have the exact date for it. But some babies commence teething in 3 months. While for some baby’s teeth do not show up till their first birthday. But when taken an average a child may experience teeth growth during 6 months.

How to brush your baby’s teeth?

No matter what you do with your infant, being gentle should be your top most priority. You shouldn’t think brushing your baby’s teeth twice. You shouldn’t frighten your baby about teeth cleaning, rather give them time and be slow.

  1. Small tiny toothpaste quantity: Begin by laying a small amount of toothpaste on the brush of your baby. By small size, we mean just the size of a rice grain. Yes, just one grain or rice! You can go for special baby toothbrush and toothpaste available in the market. You can also choose toothpaste approved by the AMA appropriate for the age of your baby.
  2. Be gentle and slow: once the toothbrush is ready, gently approach their mouth and brush in and out every tooth. Move the brush in a gentle circular manner and take it back forth too with just 5- 10 strokes. Be very slow. Do this at least once and when your child gets used to brushing go for it twice a day.
  3. Do not miss the tongue: when you are dealing with the teeth, brush the tongue too. It will help in loosening the bacteria and kill bad breath, especially the smell of milk. No one wants their baby’s mouth to stink.

When should begin brushing the gums of your baby?

Though all the attention is paid to the teeth of the baby, gums shouldn’t be forgotten. It is important to know when should you start brushing the gums of your baby. It is as important as brushing their teeth. You can begin cleaning the gums before the first tooth pokes out.

It is not early to begin brushing the gums before the teeth. By brushing the gums before the tooth, you can avoid dental problems of future.

  1. Clean gums: After feeding your baby, just take a damp cloth and cover your finger with it. Cradle your baby in your arms and sit on a chair. Use the other arm to just wipe the gums of your baby and get rid of the excess food or milk remains from their gums. You can use gauze also to do it. And if you are brushing the gums, then be very gentle.
  2. Toothpaste is not required: you may not need toothpaste to brush the gums of your child. Keep it to clean the teeth of your infant.
  3. Do not skip the tongue: wiping the tongue is important. If you wipe the tongue, then your child’s mouth will always be clean. You can also wipe the inside of the cheeks as these are places where bacteria grow.

Knowing the right time to brush your baby’s teeth is just the beginning. Once you begin brushing your baby’s teeth, you cannot let them skip it a single day. It is recommended that a parent should guide their kids for brushing till 6 years of age. After this point, the child can do it on his own. Make sure you teach them to hit the right spots while brushing for a perfectly healthy and hygiene teeth and mouth.