Baby Teeth Brushing Guide

Child Dentist Indianapolis

Although babies do not naturally have teeth, it is never too early to begin planning for your child’s dental care. Maintaining your baby’s oral health instills good habits from the start and makes them happier and healthier as they mature. Your responsibility as a parent is to maintain your child’s mouth healthy and teach them about proper oral hygiene even before their first dental appointment, which should occur within one year or six months of their first tooth emergence.

It might be daunting for parents to consider adding more things to their child’s daily schedule. However, teaching your child how to clean a baby’s teeth will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Not sure where to begin? It’s not just you. Even seasoned parents often find themselves exchanging tips on how to get a young child to use a toothbrush. What, however, comes first? How crucial is good dental hygiene for a baby? For more information about infant brushing, keep reading!

When should I begin brushing the teeth of my infant?

If your child hasn’t cut their first tooth, use the gum-washing technique mentioned above. Since their gums are still bare, there is now no incentive to use a toothbrush, which might not feel very nice. When should you begin cleaning your baby’s teeth?

It’s time to transition to a soft-bristled brush made especially for newborns and early toddlers after your baby cuts its first teeth. But keep brushing their gums! Your baby’s gums will continue to be exposed to everything they place in their mouth, even after their first tooth erupts. Up until they have more teeth covering the region of their gums, washing them as part of your daily dental hygiene regimen is essential. As their teeth continue to protrude through their gums, it will also aid in relieving their discomfort.

Establishing a relationship with Children Dental Center Indianapolis INt for your child is a wonderful approach to demonstrate your dedication to maintaining their dental health. Childrens Dentist Indianapolis IN have a lot of experience treating children, making them an excellent resource for parents as they are knowledgeable about a variety of issues relating to children’s teeth. They devote a lot of time to making your kid feel at ease with dental appointments, brushing, and the fundamentals of good oral hygiene because they care deeply about your child’s long-term oral health.

When should babies use toothpaste?

For young children, there are particular toothpaste varieties available. However, many of these do not include fluoride, a mineral that helps stop tooth decay. In the past, Kids Dentist Indianapolis IN advised parents to give their toddlers fluoride-free toothpaste. These recommendations have been amended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to permit the use of fluoride toothpaste at any age, provided it is used sparingly and directly under parental supervision. As soon as your infant gets teeth, you should apply a “smear” of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.

What sort of toothbrush is best for my child?

While some parents like to smooth the transition by utilizing silicone finger brushes for baby teeth, others prefer to switch from a washcloth to a toothbrush with soft bristles. Baby finger toothbrushes contain nubs that assist clean teeth and feel comfortable on the gums of the child. When your child is prepared for a baby toothbrush, you have a lot of choices. You won’t be lost in the midst of the pharmacy because children’s toothbrushes mark the age and stage they are best for. To motivate young children to brush their teeth, toothbrushes for babies and toddlers frequently feature a larger handle that is simple to hold. While silicone brushes are enjoyable and soothing for the gums, they are less effective at eliminating plaque from the teeth than nylon-bristle brushes.

How do I brush the teeth of my baby?

The floor, bed, changing table, or cot are the best places for your baby to lie down so you can easily clean their teeth. When your baby is lying down with his head supported, you may pull his lips and cheeks out of the way with one free hand while using the other to clean his teeth. Aside from the difficult-to-see rear surfaces and grooves, collect the front surfaces. Babies can get gingivitis like adults, so be careful to brush along their gum line to reduce their chance of developing bleeding gums and gum disease. Due to how clumsy newborns may be, it may be necessary to utilize two adults to complete the task: one holds the baby while the other concentrates completely on brushing.

How should I respond if my child refuses to brush?

Getting your infant to sit still long enough to brush their teeth as they grow more active and into toddlerhood might be difficult. But it doesn’t mean you should neglect your dental hygiene! If you’re having trouble keeping your child’s interest during brushing, take into account these suggestions:

  • Let your youngster choose a toothbrush or buy one with a picture of their favorite TV character on it.
  • Maintain a lighthearted atmosphere by including a goofy song or dance in your routine or showing a clip of their favorite TV character cleaning their teeth.

Be calm above anything else. Your child will begin to dread brushing time if you become angry or annoyed because they know that’s when you’re going to snap. At this age, brushing is done to develop good habits. And it’s difficult to do that when everyone is upset and sobbing.

 

Dental care for young children

You, as a parent, set the example for your child’s future approach to oral hygiene. They’ll pick up the habit of prioritizing if you start doing so. Brushing your baby’s teeth is not difficult or time-consuming, but it may spare them a lot of discomfort and difficulty in the future if you do.

The Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN mission is to assist families in maintaining good dental health. We like educating parents and their kids on how to maintain a healthy mouth for the rest of their lives, from the first tooth through braces and all in between. We advise you to choose a Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN who can help you build a care regimen for your child from early infancy, just as you’ll need a pediatrician for all their medical requirements.

To schedule your child’s first dental appointment, contact us right away.