Your baby will feel the benefits of brushing their teeth as soon as the first one appears. That’s the answer to the question of when to start brushing teeth. Most babies won’t have teeth for the first 3 months, but even then, you should clean their mouth. This can prepare them for introducing a toothbrush. Starting oral care early for your baby establishes healthy habits for a lifetime.
You might wonder why you should bother brushing temporary baby teeth that will soon be replaced by permanent ones. However, it’s essential to take good care of your baby’s teeth during this time—not only because establishing healthy habits early on helps ensure lifelong dental health.
Decayed baby teeth can interfere with proper nutrition and speech development. If they fall out, they do not leave the appropriate space for future teeth, which can cause permanent teeth to be misaligned.
Moreover, not all baby teeth have permanent successors. There are cases when a baby tooth can remain in the mouth for a lifetime.
Starting from birth, use a clean, damp washcloth or gauze to gently wipe the gums and front part of the tongue after meals and before bedtime, after the last bottle or breastfeeding.
When the first tooth appears, it’s time to introduce your baby’s first toothbrush. Use only a baby toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t worry if you don’t manage to brush much at first. The important thing is to get your baby used to brushing as part of the daily routine. It can help if they watch you brushing your own teeth.
The easiest way to brush your baby’s teeth is to place them on your lap, with their head resting on your chest.
Brush the teeth in small circles, covering all surfaces. There’s no need to rinse with water, as this will wash away the fluoride. Make sure the baby doesn’t swallow the toothpaste.
Brush your baby’s teeth twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.
Not all babies enjoy having their teeth brushed, so you might need to get creative. Turn it into a game by brushing your teeth at the same time as your child.
