If you’re a new parent, you’re probably wondering just how you should go about caring for your child’s oral health. Here, we’ll explain how you should clean your baby’s gums and teeth.
- Wipe Your Baby’s Gums
- Brush & Floss Your Baby’s Teeth
- Visit the Dentist Early
Wipe your baby’s gums every day, even though it may not seem like the most natural thing. It’s actually vital to your baby’s gum health! By cleaning along your baby’s gums, you can banish the threat of bacteria that can cling to their gums and leave behind plaque, while also relieving any pain or soreness they have from teething. First, dampen a washcloth or piece of clean gauze with water. Then, wrap the material around your pointer finger so that you can gently rub the gauze or cloth along your baby’s gums. This should happen at least once a day, especially after they’ve eaten and before bedtime. Don’t wait to start cleaning your baby’s gums once their teeth come in. You should start right away to get them accustomed to daily oral care!
It’s not until your child’s teeth come to the surface–usually when they’re about six months old–that you need to use a toothbrush. The first step to brushing is to find the right kind of toothbrush. It should be labeled soft and have a large handle and a small head. Chances are good it will be labeled as a baby’s first toothbrush. For children younger than three years old, use only a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Gently brush their teeth twice a day, making sure to also brush over the areas of their gums where teeth haven’t erupted. Moreover, begin flossing as soon as they have two teeth touching. When your baby is three, they can brush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. However, be sure to supervise them when they start to brush their own teeth to help them have proper technique!
One of the best things you can do for your child’s oral health is to bring them to Bluedot Dental within six months of when their first tooth emerges, or around their first birthday. Your baby’s first dentist appointment will help to put your mind at ease regarding your child’s dental health and oral development. At this first appointment, we’ll examine your baby’s mouth, advise you on what else you could be doing for their oral care, and answer any of your dental-related questions. Contact us today to schedule your child’s first checkup!
