When to Start Brushing Your Baby's Teeth

Your child's baby teeth are an essential part of your child's oral development and overall health. That's why brushing them is so important. Here, our Calgary dentists explain. 

You do not need to begin brushing with a toothbrush or toothpaste until your infant’s teeth begin to erupt, but you should clean your baby’s gums on a daily basis.

Baby teeth usually start to erupt when children are between six and twelve months of age. These teeth are very important, as they help your child eat and speak, and eventually guide the adult teeth into the proper spaces.

Before the First Tooth

Proper dental care actually begins before your child's first tooth appears. Each day, you should run a clean, damp washcloth over the gums to wipe away harmful bacteria.

Making the cleaning of your baby’s gums a part of your daily routine right from the start will help them get used to regular mouth cleanings and should make the eventual transition to brushing easier. Furthermore, because every baby teethes a bit differently, it can sometimes be difficult for a parent to tell when their baby’s first tooth is beginning to break through.

When the First Tooth Appears

As soon as the first tooth appears, you should start brushing with an infant toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste.

Baby teeth must be cleaned on a regular basis because, like adults, infants can get cavities too. Once your child has a tooth, plaque can begin building up on the surface of the tooth and causing decay. 

Children should brush at least twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed. Flossing can begin once your child has two teeth side-by-side.

Tips for Oral Care of Baby Teeth

Even babies can develop tooth decay if good habits aren't practiced. By following these oral health tips, you can help your child's baby teeth remain healthy:

• Avoid putting a baby to sleep with a bottle. It might be convenient but can harm the baby's teeth. When sugars from juice or milk sit on a baby's teeth for hours, they can eat away at the enamel, creating a condition known as bottle mouth. If you do allow them to have a bottle before bed, try water instead of milk or juice. 
• Teach your children good dental care habits early. When you show them how to take care of their baby teeth you are starting positive habits that will last a lifetime.
• By the age of one year, or around the time when the first teeth appear, begin taking your child for regular dental visits. This will help preserve the baby teeth until they are ready to fall out and be replaced by the adult teeth.

To book your child's first appointment, contact Kids R Us Dentistry today!