When a baby enters the world, everything changes. Gone are the days of sleeping in and taking long, hot showers. Instead, you now have a small human to care for, and that means you’re in charge of everything, including their oral health. For months, your baby will show off their gummy, adorable smile, but soon enough, that first tooth will burst through the gum line. With this new addition to your child’s smile, you may be asking, “When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?” Let a dental professional explain when and how to care for your infant’s oral health as well as why it’s better to start early.
How Early Should I Begin Brushing My Child’s Teeth?
The best time to begin caring for your child’s oral health is before that first tooth ever appears. A baby’s gums come into contact with many different items throughout the day – teethers, milk (breast or formula), toys, hands, feet, and much more. Whether it is the baby rattle they just put in their mouth or the bottle nipple, everything has bacteria living on it, so when it is transferred to your child’s gums, it’s best to remove it as effectively as you can.
To do this, simply use a wet washcloth to gently clean your baby’s gums. If they’re teething, this may feel good, especially if the washcloth is cold.
However, once that first tooth pops through, it’s time to get started with a regular oral hygiene routine. Buying an infant toothbrush or fingertip toothbrush, as well as training toothpaste, will start you off on the right foot. It’s important never to use more than a smear of toothpaste or the equivalent to a grain of rice. You’ll need to make sure to brush their teeth each morning and every night before they go to bed.
The Importance of Good Oral Habits Before the First Visit
The first thing you should know is that you should schedule your child’s first dental appointment by their first birthday or when their first baby tooth appears. The earlier your child begins to see a dentist, the more accustomed they’ll become to the sights and sounds associated with a dental office, as well as the team who will be caring for your child’s teeth as they grow and develop.
By practicing good oral hygiene before their first visit, you are not only setting them up for optimal oral health, but you’re making it a much easier process for the dentist and their team. While the first visit is more about getting your baby used to this type of atmosphere, it also gives the dentist a chance to learn more about your child and their oral development.
As they grow older, it will be imperative to keep these six-month appointments so that any problems can be detected and treated early, as children are prone to developing cavities.
These early dental appointments are a great opportunity to learn more about caring for your baby’s mouth. Not only will the dentist offer suggestions on ways to clean their gums and teeth, but they can also recommend certain products that are baby-friendly, such as toothbrushes and toothpastes.
If you’re ready to put your child on a path to great oral health, talk to a pediatric dentist today about how to get started.
About the Author
Dr. Lily is a board-certified pediatric dentist and parent. She attended college at Tulane University in New Orleans where she earned a degree in financing. She then went on to attend the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey where she completed her master’s degree in biomedical sciences. Finally, she achieved her doctorate at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. Dr. Lily went a step further and finished her Advanced Education in General Dentistry certification at the Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn and her pediatric certification at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Dr. Lily and her team want what is best for your child, which means helping to instill good oral hygiene habits from an early age. To learn more about us, visit our website or call (469) 925-0861.