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How to Brush Your Baby's Teeth

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Every milestone in the first year of your baby’s life is precious just like the appearance of the first teeth. As the baby starts teething, you shall see cute little front teeth popping out of the gum line which will eventually be replaced by permanent ones. So, the question of brushing baby teeth still stands and the importance of doing so. Let’s understand how you can start brushing baby teeth and why it is essential.

Importance of Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth

Though your precious one will soon start developing permanent teeth, the baby teeth hold space for adult ones to appear when they are much older. These teeth play a role in the child’s early developmental stages – like learning how to chew, talk, and smile, and so on. Establishing a good oral care routine helps in preventing tooth decay early on, instilling long term habits. Decaying of baby teeth that have to be removed can cause other baby teeth to move. This reduces space for the adult teeth that shall come in later giving rise to crooked teeth. So, you can take care of your tiny tot’s dental hygiene by following these tips on how to brush baby teeth.

Tips on Brushing Baby Teeth for Effective Cleaning

You must be wondering about when to start brushing baby's teeth and the right time for it. So, let us break this down stepwise based on your child’s age.

Newborn Babies

You may prefer waiting until your precious one has a mouthful of teeth but cleaning your newborn’s mouth is important. Taking a soft wet washcloth, begin cleaning the gums gently with water after feeding. Wipe all around the gums and under the lip to erase any chances of bacteria build-up.

Babies of 4-6 Months Old

As the first teeth start to come, you can switch to a kid’s toothbrush with soft bristles. Moisten the brush with some water and take a rice grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Making circular motions on the newly arrived teeth, clean it the way you do with your own teeth. But ensure that your baby isn't swallowing any toothpaste by using only the recommended amount. As your little one is still young, the baby will not be able to spit out the toothpaste. So, you can simply wipe away any excess toothpaste remaining in the mouth. With this, some fluoride shall remain back to help protect the teeth.

Babies of 6-24 Months Old

You can continue using a kids toothbrush suitable for babies by moistening it with water and a rice grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Use the brush to effectively clean all surfaces at least up to two minutes by repeating this twice a day. As your baby will not be able to spit out the toothpaste, wipe away any excess remaining in the mouth.

After your tiny tot turns three, you can start using a pea-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste with Oral-B kids electric toothbrush to keep cavity and decay at bay!

How to Make Brushing Baby Teeth Easier?

It is natural for babies to fuss while brushing their teeth especially when they are teething. When new teeth start to arrive, babies have sore and tender gums, making them less thrilled about attending to oral care. To make your little one co-operate, you can try several tricks and see which one works for your baby:

  • Be Gentle: Your baby could be teething or may not find brushing very comfortable, so be extra gentle. If you find that your precious one doesn’t enjoy a toothbrush during teething phase, you can try with a damp and soft washcloth.

  • Cheer Them: Singing a song or cheering them to help soothe the fussiness can really come handy. You could also try humming or singing their favourite nursery rhymes to engage them. This will distract them enough to clean their teeth.

  • Talk to Them: Many babies enjoy it when you talk to them. You could try this and keep reassuring them that the brushing is almost done.

  • Hold Them Properly: Your baby might try to wriggle out of your grasp to avoid brushing. But you need to hold them properly for effective cleaning. Holding the baby’s forehead with a gentle touch can also help if your child tries to turn their head away.

  • Cartoon Featured Toothbrush: As your tiny one grows up; they shall start liking cartoon characters they cannot do without. You can easily get customisable toothbrushes from Oral-B that will get your baby excited. With the Disney range of Star Wars electric toothbrush and Frozen electric toothbrush, cleaning will now be a fun activity.

How to Choose a Toothbrush?

The age of your precious one and the number of teeth they have shall affect your choice of toothbrushes for optimal dental hygiene. A soft washcloth or a finger brush is a good option for babies who haven’t developed teeth or have begun teething. Once your child starts getting more teeth, you can opt for toothbrushes suitable for younger children having soft bristles. To make oral care an exciting time, you can choose brushes having interesting shapes of fruits and animals. You can later upgrade to electric brush for kids for effective cleaning and gentleness.

With Oral-B kids electric toothbrush, you can personalise the brush handle with Star Wars and Frozen stickers. Get yours from the dentist recommended #1 brand to ensure healthy oral care today!

Learn more on Children's Teeth: Development, Prevention and Problems