Milk Teeth Are Important Too!! Some Tips To Care For Your Babies’ Teeth
So your baby has teeth…. now what? It’s not enough to just enjoy your baby’s teeth. Those little milk teeth must be taken care of properly.
It can be overwhelming to think of adding yet another item to your baby’s daily routine as a parent. But learning how to brush a baby’s teeth will benefit your child. Wondering where to start? You are not alone. Here is what you need to know:
When To Start Baby’s Oral Hygiene?
Many of us make a mistake by waiting for the teeth to come in. But you need to clean the baby’s mouth and gums much before that. Then this will be the question that comes to your mind right now. Can I brush an infant’s gum or their milk teeth? Absolutely yes! But do not use a toothbrush for that. Instead, you could use a clean and damp cloth. Cleaning your infant’s gum after feeds can help prevent the growth of bacteria.
What Will You Need to Brush Babies’ Teeth?
After the first tooth appears, you can start brushing. Don’t wait for all the teeth to come in to start brushing. You can use either brush or soft clothes for brushing babies’ teeth. In the first stages, you can use finger brushes. I used that for the first two-three teeth. It is very soft and gentle. A finger brush is something like a cover on the finger used for brushing babies’ teeth.
You can gradually change to a soft-bristled baby tooth brush. Otherwise baby may experience pain during Brushing. Brushing is for adequate plaque removal and caries prevention. You only need to use water in the beginning. No toothpaste is necessary. If you are using toothpaste, make sure it is age-appropriate and safe to swallow. Use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for kids under three and a pea-sized amount for children three and up.
How To Brush Your Baby’s Teeth?
But for that, the baby has to cooperate and at least open his/her mouth first. We will see how kids can be made to brush without any difficulties – you can use small tricks. Firstly, select the brushes with cartoon characters that the kids love. Brushing can be shown to kids as a playing activity. Then it will be easier for a parent. Brush a minimum of 2 minutes for making kids’ activity; you can play action songs or stories that they love.
You have to select appropriate tricks for your baby. And you can brush our baby’s teeth till the kid is able to hold the brush properly. The easiest way to brush a baby’s milk teeth is to sit with them on your knees with their head resting against your chest with an older child, stand behind them and tilt their head backward.
Should You Assist Baby or Toddler In Brushing?
YES!! At this age, Brushing should always be a team effort. You can give your child some independence by letting them explore. Assist your child is getting used to the sensation of having a clean mouth. Your baby’s oral hygiene is critical but its not something to lose slapped over. So please relax.
Also read, Must-Have Baby Products, Before Your Little One, Turns ONE!
What To Do If Your Baby Doesn’t Like Brushing?
Be gentle: use a soft cloth to avoid discomfort. Distract them with a song or story while brushing babies’ teeth. Give your baby enough time to enjoy brushing. Familiarize himself with the materials, and above all else, stay calm. If you get upset or frustrated, your child will start to dread their brushing routine. Because they know it is the time their dad or mom loses it.
How Many Times In A Day Should You Brush Your Babies Milk Teeth?
Brush your baby’s teeth twice every day to establish a routine. Brush morning and night a day. The most important is brushing at night. Because the kids may have taken sweets and other foods, the debris may still be attached to their teeth. If not brushed at night, the bacterial reaction may be prolonged and resulting in tooth decay. Never put your child to bed with a bottle or food. Limit the number of sticky foods like candy or cookies. After each meal, give them water to drink. Show them & tell them how to rinse their mouth.
When Should You Visit Dentist For Your Baby?
Visit a pediatric dentist by the age of one or six months after the first tooth erupts. Cavities can develop as soon as your baby gets milk teeth. Finding a dental home early can also help your child build comfort and establish healthy habits. Also read, If the child is troubled by the arrival of milk teeth, then follow these home remedies.
