How to Brush Your Baby’s Teeth (& When to Start Brushing):
Welcome to the world of tiny teeth! As a parent, you know that taking care of your little one’s teeth is important, but it can also be a bit daunting. After all, how do you brush infant and toddler teeth that are just popping up and constantly on the move? And how do you convince a wiggly toddler that brushing is more fun than playing with toys? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you the best ways to brush your infant and toddler’s teeth, and give you some tips and tricks for making tooth-brushing time a little more enjoyable (for both of you!). So grab your toothbrush and let’s get started!
Having a child comes with a multitude of tasks and responsibilities, and maintaining your toddler’s oral health is definitely one of them. Tooth decay is the most common childhood condition, and it is preventable with proper dental care. Here are some tips to help you set your child up for success with their dental care routine.
The Role of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth play an essential role in a child’s overall health. They help a child eat properly, develop speech, and gain confidence in themselves. They also play a crucial role in developing healthy adult teeth. Early primary tooth loss can cause other teeth to shift, which is not good. That can lead to crowding or uneven spacing. Taking care of your child’s baby teeth is crucial and the first step to lifelong dental health.
Healthy Eating Promotes Strong Teeth
You will contribute to your children’s dental health by giving them a nutritious diet. Follow the eating habits listed below to develop and sustain healthy teeth, this goes for Mom and Dad also.
Minimize between-meal snacking.
Avoid rewarding good behavior with candy or soda.
Desserts are for after a meal. Eating sweets after a nutritious meal is beneficial because of increased saliva production.
Replace sugary beverages with water
Preserving Your Child’s Dental Health
We’ve got some age-appropriate recommendations with practical methods of achieving good dental hygiene for small kids. Even the littlest ones need to be taught that keeping their teeth healthy is an important daily task.
Before your baby’s first tooth erupts, wipe their gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding and before they go to sleep. When your child’s first tooth appears or by their first birthday, schedule their first dental checkup. Brush their teeth twice a day for approximately two minutes using circular motions with the toothbrush. Once they demonstrate the ability and responsibility to brush their teeth, you can let them take over, typically around age seven.
Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist has specialized training in treating dental patients with particular requirements, making them perfect for children. They understand how kids think and make their clinics as kid-friendly as possible, creating a more comfortable and pleasant dental experience for your child. Pediatric dentists customize every aspect of their profession for children, from the decor of their clinics to the voices they use.
Age-Appropriate Oral Care for Infants and Toddlers
Infants:
It is crucial to keep freshly formed teeth clean in order to maintain their strength and health throughout infancy.
After teeth begin to erupt, clean the teeth with something as basic as the clean towel or washcloth you use to wipe your child’s face after meals and bottles. This process reduces the amount of food and fluids (mostly sugars) that comes into contact with the surface of each tooth.
Be sure to clean the teeth that have erupted once a day before going to bed. Brush their teeth with a grain-sized drop of toothpaste while the newborn is lying down to change clothing. Even if your child can’t yet spit it out, this small amount of toothpaste is safe to use.
It’s ideal to begin a brushing routine at this point, so it becomes part of their daily habits. You can sing a favorite tune (our personal favs are the ABCs, or You Are My Sunshine, but we also often receive requests for Baby Shark!) or you can even repeat the same nursery rhyme to create a soothing brushing routine. The familiarity while doing the task will create a positive atmosphere.
Some newborns will object to having their teeth brushed, just as some babies detest diaper changes. This does not imply that they are in discomfort or suffering. Cleaning their teeth on a regular basis is just as crucial as cleaning their bottoms from a full diaper.
Toddlers:
We all know and love the thrill of an independent-minded toddler! One of the cutest and most challenging phases we experience as parents is the “I can do it myself” stage.
If you have a toddler, it’s important to make sure you’re brushing their teeth correctly and setting them up for success with their dental care. Making it a priority, and doing it correctly, are the first steps of lifelong healthy teeth.
There are simple strategies you can use daily to help maintain the oral health of your little one.
Did you know that the most prevalent chronic childhood condition is tooth decay and any kiddo can suffer from it? Tooth decay is five times more prevalent than asthma, and it is also preventable. If your child’s teeth are brushed every day, given a balanced diet, and visit the dentist every six months, you can foster excellent dental health.
It might be challenging to choose when and where to give in when a toddler is pushing the limits on everything. At this age, many children resist brushing. But don’t give up!
We are often potty training at this age, anxiously attempting to get cooperation and progress moving along. Parents sometimes give do give out sweet treats as incentives. Cleaning their teeth twice a day is essential for optimal dental health at this age.
With toddlers, work to emphasize that bedtime brushing is a must and morning brushing can be a bit more child-led.
While it takes time, keep in mind that you are creating excellent habits for life. Some parents brush their children’s teeth in the bathtub, which makes it a bit less messy and can even be a fun experience for the kids.
Develop your brushing and flossing techniques further.
It is crucial that parents thoroughly brush and floss their children’s teeth before bedtime since they lack the skills to reach all the nooks and crevices of their mouths. This is really important even if your child is routinely “practicing.”
If they are eager to “do it myself”, you can let them hold a toothbrush and chew on it or even the handle while you brush the other side of their mouth with a second toothbrush, then switching sides with them. The same method also works nicely while flossing.
To reach those more difficult back teeth at this age, often it is handled floss holders that work best. For even more regularity and consistency, sing the same tunes from infancy on while flossing as well. Obviously, this has to be supervised by mommy or daddy to insure safety.
This kind of dental care provides an opportunity to take a break from everyday life and absorb the developments and growth your child is experiencing. Instead of adding another chore to your list that seems to never end, think of this time as a chance to connect. It might help you see the process from a different angle.
At What Age Should My Child Go to the Dentist for the First Time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to the dentist by age one. This early visit allows you to discuss any concerns with your pediatric dentist and set the stage for good oral care based on your child’s unique development.
Taking care of your toddler’s oral health can be challenging, but it’s a crucial component of their overall health. With proper dental care, you can set your child up for lifelong healthy teeth.
We’re grateful for this step-by-step guide to brushing your infant and toddler’s teeth. It was created just for KC parents courtesy of our friends at LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children.
If you are seeking a pediatric dentist for your family just call one of their four local offices to schedule a visit in Kansas City, Olathe, Overland Park, or Prairie Village. At your initial visit, mention “SPIN” to get your complimentary electric toothbrush. You can learn more about LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry by visiting their website
From our family to yours,
iFamilyKC
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