As a parent, you want to give your child the best possible start in life, and that includes looking after their oral health. Baby teeth may be small, but they are important, as they help your child learn to chew and speak properly and also pave the way for their permanent teeth.
To help you get started with how and when to start brushing your baby's teeth, we've put together a handy guide.
It's never too early to start brushing your baby's teeth. As soon as the first tooth comes in (usually around 6 months), you should start brushing. This will help your baby get used to the sensation and make tooth brushing a part of their daily routine.
Did you know that it is also recommended that you start cleaning your baby's gums before their first teeth appear? You can do this by gently wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth or a use a soft infant toothbrush, like our Flexi-Brush.This will help to remove any bacteria or food particles from their mouth.
Once your baby's first teeth start to come in, it is important to start brushing their teeth twice a day.
Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on will also help to prevent tooth decay.
To keep your baby's teeth healthy, it's important to brush them twice a day. Aim to brush at bedtime and at one other time each day.
Building this habit into the daily routine from the beginning makes life easier for both you and your baby.
Here are some handy tips to how best to brush your baby’s new teeth.
When it comes to brushing your baby's teeth, position is key. A good position for a young baby is to have them sat facing forward on your lap, leaning into your chest.
Alternatively, try brushing while they are sitting up supported in the bath.
When choosing a toothbrush for your baby, look for one with a small head, soft bristles, and an easy grip handle.
The Flexi-Brush by Cheeky Chompers is a great option as it is made from 100% soft and pliable food grade silicone, making it gentle and safe for little mouths.
Fluoride is important for protecting your baby's teeth against decay, so it's important to use a fluoridated toothpaste.
For ages 0-3, the toothpaste should contain no less than 1000ppm of fluoride (this will be clear on the packaging).
Apply a flat smear of toothpaste to the brush and gently brush your baby's teeth.
To brush your baby's teeth, gently brush the front and back of each tooth in circular motions. Pay special attention to the back teeth, as these are often the most susceptible to decay.
In addition to regular brushing, there are other steps you can take to promote good oral health for your baby. Avoid giving them sugary drinks or snacks, and encourage them to drink water instead. Limit the amount of juice they consume, and avoid putting them to bed with a bottle.
It is also important to schedule regular dental checkups for your child, starting around their first birthday. Your dentist can help you identify any potential dental problems and provide guidance on how to care for your child's teeth at home.
In summary, brushing your baby's teeth is an important part of their oral health routine. By starting early, brushing twice daily, using a baby appropriate toothbrush, applying a flat smear of fluoridated toothpaste, and choosing the right position, you can help keep your baby's teeth healthy and establish good dental habits that will last a lifetime.
The Flexi-Brush is made from 100% soft and pliable food grade silicone, which is FDA approved. It is gentle and safe for little mouths.
The Flexi-Brush is easy to clean and can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher or steriliser.
Please note that the Flexi-Brush is not a toy and should be used under adult supervision.
You can still use the Flexi-Brush as teeth continue to erupt as it's soft and fun for baby to get used to tooth brushing. We recommend using a nylon bristle brush once the first teeth are fully erupted to help clean all the areas around and between teeth.
