New parents always have a lot of questions about their baby’s health and development. One that we often hear is, “When do you start brushing baby teeth?” The answer to this question is simple—as soon as the first baby teeth come in!
It’s never too early to begin caring for your baby’s oral health. In fact, it’s a good idea to start cleaning their gums before their teeth even start to grow in. As a family practice, we help patients of all ages maintain bright, healthy smiles at Country Club Dental. Here are some of our favorite tips on dental care for babies.
Baby Dental Care Tips
Keep Their Gums Clean Before the First Tooth Erupts
Although babies are sometimes born with a few teeth that have already erupted, most babies won’t get their first tooth until they are at least three months old. Before they get teeth, it’s important to keep your baby’s gums as clean as possible. Eliminating harmful bacteria from their mouths will ensure they grow healthy, cavity-free teeth throughout their childhood.
You should clean your baby’s gums every day by using a damp washcloth and gently rubbing it along their gums. Or, you can use a silicone baby toothbrush that is designed to fit over your finger to gently brush their gums. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your baby’s gums, so you won’t introduce any more bacteria to their mouths.
Start Brushing When the First Baby Tooth Comes In
Your baby’s teeth can begin to grow in any time between 3 and 12 months of age. Once their first baby teeth erupt, start brushing them gently with a silicone baby toothbrush or a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush at least twice a day with water.
You should also use children’s dental floss to gently floss between areas where two baby teeth touch. Continue taking care of the toothless areas of your baby’s gums as well. Gentle brushing will also soothe pain from teething and even promote tooth eruption.
As more baby teeth begin to grow in, it’s important to establish good oral hygiene habits for your child. If you haven’t already created a routine of brushing once in the morning and once before bed by their second birthday, it’s time to start.
Should You Brush Baby Teeth with Fluoride Toothpaste?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel. However, the ADA recommends consulting your dentist before using fluoride toothpaste for children under two years old.
Children aged 2 to 6 years should use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Children under 6 years old are more likely to swallow toothpaste, which can cause fluorosis, so make sure to teach them how to spit and rinse.
Fluorosis is caused by exposure to too much fluoride, which results in white or brown spots on children’s teeth. This condition is not harmful to health but can cause cosmetic problems that last into adulthood. To prevent fluorosis, keep toothpaste out of the reach of young children, and watch to make sure they don’t swallow any when brushing their teeth.
Teaching Your Child How to Brush Their Teeth
Between the ages of three and six, your child should start brushing their baby teeth on their own. However, it’s important to supervise your child at this stage to ensure they are brushing effectively and don’t swallow their toothpaste.
We also recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit soon after their third birthday. Regular dental checkups are essential to ensure that your child develops healthy permanent teeth as they grow older.
Family Dentist in Flagstaff, Arizona
If your child is due for a dental appointment, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. The compassionate team at Country Club Dental provides the dental services your child needs to grow up with a beautiful, healthy smile. Call 928-526-4314 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Whitney or Dr. Mikaela Weedman.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/25/2022). Photo by Gabriel Crismariu on Unsplash
