Many
people think babies don’t need to brush their teeth, especially when they don’t
have any. But by starting good habits like brushing when your child is young,
you can lay the foundation for them to continue those good habits into
adulthood.
When do
I start?
The
best time to start brushing your baby’s teeth is before he or she has any.
Develop the habit of wiping your baby’s gums with a wet, soft washcloth or
gauze every day. There is no need to use toothpaste, just wrap the gauze or
cloth around your finger, moisten it with a little water, and gently rub it
over the gums.
This
helps your little one get used to brushing while it eliminates bacteria in the
mouth that can harm emerging teeth. You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure
or even take very long: just a quick, gentle rub over the gums will do it.
What do
I use?
When
your child’s teeth begin to come in, you will need to switch from a cloth to a
baby toothbrush. Find one that has a grip big enough for your hand, but a head
that is small enough to maneuver easily in your infant’s mouth.
You
don’t need to use any toothpaste until your son or daughter is about a year
old. Even then, though, you’ll want to use just a tiny amount: about the size
of a grain of rice. When your toddler is about two years old, you can use a
pea-sized amount.
By
around six years of age, your child will probably rinse and spit without your
help. At that point, you may want to introduce a child-friendly fluoride
mouthwash.
How do
I do it?
Your
child probably won’t be able to brush his or her teeth alone until about the
age of five or six. This means that you will need to do it. To brush your
child’s teeth, gently use the brush over all the teeth and gums, even areas
where the teeth have not come in yet.
As your
child grows and becomes more independent, you can allow him or her to hold the
toothbrush while you guide your child’s progress. Make sure you talk to your
child while you are brushing, and explain why you brush: what you are doing and
how you are doing it.
In
addition to regular visits with Dr. Alina Bergan, instilling good oral health
habits in your child early on will ensure a lifetime of good dental health. Call
today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan
at 800-223-0801. You can also schedule online:
http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments
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