When Do You Start Brushing Babies’ Teeth?
When do you start brushing babies’ teeth and how is oral hygiene carried out? This is the question every mother has to ask herself, so we’re going to cover it up in today’s article.
Logic tells us that you start brushing your teeth when the first teeth become visible. But many recommend cleaning the gums beforehand. Then learn more about this topic.
The recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is that only a very small amount of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) be used initially, which should contain fluorine to strengthen tooth enamel and make it resistant to tooth decay.
Brushing teeth in babies
Remember, however, that fluorine can be dangerous to babies if they swallow the product in large quantities. So keep the toothpaste in a safe place. Too much fluorine could also cause dental fluorosis, which causes discoloration of the teeth.
Brush your teeth when the child is older
From the age of 2 you can start with a very small amount of toothpaste. You can use a fluorine-free product initially, as the child could accidentally swallow the pasta.
There are special toothpastes for small children, some made from completely natural ingredients and without fluorine. Be sure to read the product description to make sure the pasta is suitable for your child.
Setting an example is very important, so it is good if your child sees you brushing their teeth regularly and that this is part of their daily routine. It will then want to imitate you.
From the age of 3 , your child can brush their teeth by themselves and they no longer swallow the pasta. You can then give him a little more on the toothbrush and buy age-appropriate products.
Once all of the teeth are in place, you can also show your child how to floss. Don’t forget to have regular check-ups at the dentist, who can also give you detailed advice.
A quick visit to the dentist is also important if problems arise, for example with bleeding gums or tooth decay.