It is a fascinating time when your little one’s baby teeth start coming through. This landmark may be accompanied by a few tears while they are teething, which is entirely normal. As soon as you notice them, you should start doing your best to keep their teeth clean.
Many parents ask how to keep their kids’ baby teeth healthy, so we have prepared this quick guide to help.
Why Should I Brush My Baby’s Teeth?
Many people think that good oral hygiene isn’t essential with baby teeth, as they will fall out by themselves eventually. However, this misconception is completely wrong and could cause damage to your baby’s overall health.
Baby teeth play an important role in the development of a baby’s jaw and can help them eat food and form words. If their teeth or gums get infected, it can lead to pain, discomfort, and tooth decay.
When Do I Start Brushing My Baby’s Teeth?
The answer to this is, as soon as you notice their baby teeth coming through.
What Should I Use?
Brushing your baby’s teeth can be a challenge, so remember to be patient and to lead by example. They will be fascinated by watching you brush your teeth and will want to follow suit. When it comes to brushing their teeth, try to make it fun so they don’t get distracted.
Use fluoride baby toothpaste and a baby brush for kiddies under three years old. As they start growing up, your doctor or dentist will advise you on the best kinds of toothpaste and brushes to use.
How Do I Clean My Baby’s Teeth?
You only need to apply a tiny smear of toothpaste to children under three years old and no more than a pea-sized amount for three to six-year-olds.
Start by putting them on your knee and brushing all the surfaces by moving the brush in small circles. It may take some trial and error. As they get older, you can start allowing them to do it themselves under supervision.
What Food and Drink Can I Give Them?
A healthy diet will aid in the health of your baby’s teeth and their overall well-being and development. Try to minimize their consumption of high-sugar foods and juices. They should only have them as part of a balanced diet rich in minerals and nutrients.
Try to introduce many different kinds of foods by playing around with different colors and textures. Your baby will find the experience enjoyable, and their teeth will get much needed nutritional support. Ask your doctor for dietary guidelines so that you can give them foods with enough Vitamin C and calcium.
What Else Can I Do?
Make sure your little one doesn’t share spoons with other kids because this is an easy way to spread bacteria responsible for tooth decay. The same goes for toothbrushes and any other items that regularly go in other people’s mouths.
Another good idea is trying to wean them off the bottle and onto cups as soon as they develop the necessary motor skills. Putting juice or sugary drinks in bottles increases the risk of tooth decay because the liquid pools in the mouths. When this happens, the sugar has direct contact with the teeth, which is never a good thing.
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