Monday - Saturday : 9:30.am–6:30.pm

Sunday Closed

Dental Care Tips for Brushing Baby & Toddler Teeth

The Best Way To Brush Your Baby's Teeth

Even though babies aren't born with teeth, it's never too early to start planning for your child's dental care. When your baby's first tooth erupts, it is best to begin brushing or cleaning their teeth. It might happen at any time in the next three to nine months. Most babies don't begin teething until they are one, and there is a wide range in the age at which a newborn develops their first tooth.

Your role as a parent is to maintain your child's oral health and teach them the importance of good oral hygiene even before their first dentist visit, which should occur at age one or within six months of their first tooth eruption.

How to Brush Your Baby's Teeth?

Little ones can't clean their teeth well, so they require adult help. Parents should continue brushing their kid's teeth or helping them brush until they are confident that their kids can brush their teeth thoroughly on their own. The exact age will vary from child to child, but usually, parents should continue to help their children clean their teeth until they are at least seven or eight years old.

Being gentle is essential to your baby feeling comfortable while you brush their teeth.Here is the ideal way to brush baby teeth:

  • Use a small-headed, soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your child's teeth as soon as their first tooth erupts.
  • Make sure you sit in a bright area and continue holding your infant in your lap.
  • Use a cotton pad or a tiny toothpaste on your baby's toothbrush.
  • Apply no more than a grain of rice's amount of toothpaste to the brush, and gently brush in a circular motion for two minutes twice daily, in the morning and before night.
  • Clean your baby's tongue with the toothbrush as well. By doing this, you can avoid bacterial growth and bad breath.

When your child reaches the age of three, you can increase the toothpaste quantity to a pea-sized amount. Also, if any of your child's teeth are touching, floss between them at least daily.

When to Start Brushing Baby Teeth

Many parents are still determining the right age to start brushing their child's teeth. It might be challenging to brush a young child's teeth, but it is essential to develop and maintain a good oral healthcare routine to prevent your child's mouth from infections that could become serious.

At around six months, a child's first tooth generally erupts. Plaque can start accumulating on your child's teeth as soon as they erupt, leading to decay. It is recommended to start cleaning your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears to prevent dental problems.

Dental care for baby teeth and gums

Pediatric dentists advise you to brush your baby's gums immediately after feedings. Even before a baby's first teeth erupt, doing this supports good oral health by preventing bacterial growth. Instead of using a toothbrush to clean your baby's gums, use a soft, damp cloth or a soft rubber or silicone finger brush.

When your baby's first tooth erupts, it helps prepare them for brushing. Use a soft infant toothbrush made for kids under two years old to brush your teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. You can continue wiping the front and back of each tooth with a clean, moist face washer or gauze if your infant doesn't appreciate having a toothbrush in their mouth. Also, remember only to use water to clean the toothbrush until your child is 18 months old.

Tips for brushing children's teeth

  • Brushing teeth together will help your child feel more involved and independent. Either brush your child's teeth first, then let them practise, or do it the other way around.
  • Bring in a favourite stuffed animal or doll, and while you brush your child's teeth, let them brush the toy's teeth without toothpaste.
  • While brushing, listen to some music. Play a short, fun song for your kid, indicating that it will be time to rinse after the song ends.
  • To make the routine more fun, let your child choose a toothbrush they like, such as one that is their favourite colour or has a picture of an adored movie character.
  • To start with, try brushing without toothpaste if your kid dislikes the flavour of toothpaste. After that, introduce a tiny bit of children's low-fluoride toothpaste to let them get used to the flavour. Kids may prefer toothpaste with fruity flavours or mild flavours to others.
  • A reward model may be appropriate for older kids. For instance, note how frequently they brush their teeth twice daily on a calendar and give them a treat when they achieve a goal.

Schedule a Check Up with Sri Sakthi dental clinic

We advise you to choose a pediatric dentist who can help you build a care routine for your child from early childhood, just as you'll need a pediatrician. At Sri Sakthi Dental Clinic, We're dedicated to addressing your concerns and helping you start a healthy dental routine immediately as we provide treatment for families across Coimbatore. Schedule your child's first dental checkup with us so they can have the best possible start with good dental health.