As a parent, it is essential to take care of your baby’s dental health. Most parents believe that it’s not necessary to take good care of their child’s teeth until their baby has grown up to become a toddler.

But it is an alarming situation that cavities and tooth decay can affect infants as well. Therefore, it is crucial to introduce oral care habits at an early stage in your baby’s life. You can take some simple steps to ensure your baby’s dental health stays in optimal condition from the beginning.

When to start cleaning your baby’s teeth?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends starting oral care of your baby as soon as their first tooth appears.

It is best to start taking care of your baby’s dental health right from the start to instill good dental hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

What to use to clean your baby’s teeth?

To start with, you can use a soft-bristled baby’s toothbrush with water or fluoride toothpaste. The ADA recommends using a fluoride toothpaste in the amount of a grain of rice on the toothbrush as soon as your child’s first tooth appears.

It is important to make sure your baby spits out the toothpaste and does not swallow it. Once your child turns three, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount.

How to clean your baby’s teeth?

Here are some steps to follow to clean your baby’s teeth:.

: Step 1

Choose a comfortable spot to brush your child’s teeth. Sitting on the floor with your baby’s head in your lap or placing them in a high chair are some common options. Make sure to have a towel handy to catch any drool or accidental spills.

: Step 2

Wet your baby’s toothbrush with warm water.

: Step 3

Put a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste on the brush. For babies younger than three years, use a rice grain size smear of toothpaste. For children aged 3 to 6 years, use a pea-size amount of toothpaste.

Related Article Top 30 Baby Tooth Hygiene Tips

: Step 4

Gently brush the teeth with a small circular motion. Keep the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Brush both the front and back of the teeth, the tongue, and the roof of the mouth in a circular motion.

: Step 5

Rinse the brush with running water and let it air dry until its next use.

: Step 6

Encourage your child to spit after brushing but not rinse with water. Rinsing with water after brushing washes away the fluoride, which is beneficial for proper oral hygiene.

What are some tips for successful brushing?

Here are some tips to ensure successful brushing:.

: Tip 1

Encourage your child to hold and play with the toothbrush to make the experience less intimidating.

: Tip 2

Make brushing teeth a fun and enjoyable experience. Sing songs, play games, and make it a time for bonding.

: Tip 3

Lead by example and brush your teeth together with your child. Children mimic what they see, and it can be a positive reinforcement for maintaining good dental health.

: Tip 4

Make brushing teeth a part of the morning and the bedtime routine, so the child gets habituated.

: Conclusion

It is never too early to start taking care of your baby’s teeth. Following the recommended guidelines, you can keep your child’s dental health in optimal condition from the start.

Make brushing teeth a fun and enjoyable experience and lead by example to instill good dental hygiene habits that last a lifetime.