How To Brush Baby Teeth: When to Start, How To Do it, and More
The best time to begin brushing your child’s teeth is…drum roll please…when they get their first tooth! Yes. As soon as it pokes its little edges out of the gums, teeth will begin to build up plaque. At this stage however, it is not necessary to use a toothbrush or toothpaste. Merely wrap a soft washcloth around your finger and gently wipe the teeth clean.
How to Brush Baby Teeth: Fluoride Consideration
It is important to note that Fluoride toothpaste is NOT recommended until after the age of 2 years old. Your child needs to be able to spit it out rather than swallow it. Toothpaste in general is not necessary at this point and may make your child gag. If this happens, there could be some reluctance in the future to use toothpaste when it becomes beneficial.
Once the child has 4 teeth that have come in in a row, you can begin to use a child-sized toothbrush to clean their teeth.
- Wet the brush with warm water and using small circles, gently brush all surfaces of the teeth.
- Try to focus on the back molars. The deep grooves on those teeth are very susceptible to getting decay.
- Flossing is recommended once there are 2 teeth that are touching. However realistically, if you can get them to sit still long enough to have their teeth brushed thoroughly, you are ahead of the game by a long shot.
- Baby teeth usually have more space in between them and if you brush adequately chances are you will be getting the surfaces in-between anyway. (However, once their permanent teeth come in, flossing is essential.)
Once your child can spit, around 2-3 years old, you can introduce a bit of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Having your child practice doing this with you while you are brushing your teeth will help them understand how important it is in your daily routine. They learn by watching and the habit will be formed by consistency and repetition. However, most children are not coordinated enough to brush their own teeth effectively until they are 6 or 7 years old.
How to Brush Baby Teeth: Proper Techniques
also suggest standing behind your child while they look in the mirror when you brush their teeth. That way, they will learn the proper technique of using small circles and methodically going from one tooth to the next as you clean all of the surfaces. Make it a fun counting game or play a special song that they like while you are doing it. In addition, if your child is too tired before bedtime and this becomes too much for them, make it a habit to brush after dinner instead. That way the dreaded bedtime is not associated with what needs to be a lifelong habit.
My advice…start as young as possible to establish this important routine. Healthy teeth and a beautiful smile are important forever.