Did you know that oral hygiene should begin before your baby has any visible teeth? Most parents are not aware that it is important to clean your baby’s gums daily to maintain healthy levels of bacteria. The next step is to begin brushing their teeth as they come in.
Getting an early start with preventive care at home sets the foundation for a lifetime of oral health. Establishing an oral care routine from birth makes it a normal part of your child’s daily life that they can continue as they grow.
You may be wondering how to best clean your baby’s gums and teeth. This guide will provide all of the information you need about early dental care from tools to timing.
When to Start
It is important to start cleaning your baby’s gums from day one. We recommend cleaning the gums after each feeding to remove milk or formula residue. This helps to reduce bacteria that causes gum disease and tooth decay.
Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they come in, from the first tiny tip of a tooth that pushes through the gums. As soon as the teeth erupt they are susceptible to decay, and brushing is a crucial preventive measure.
Essential Tools for Baby Oral Care
These are some essential tools for keeping your baby’s gum and teeth clean:
- Clean, damp cloth. Use a new clean, damp cloth to clean your baby’s gum after each feeding.
- Gauze. Clean gauze is also effective for cleaning your baby’s gums.
- Gum wipes. You can purchase gum wipes made specifically for cleaning your baby’s gums.
- Soft-bristled baby toothbrush. Infant tooth-brushes are made with extra-soft bristles to avoid irritation and to protect the enamel.
- Smear of toothpaste. Use a tiny dab of fluoride toothpaste, no bigger than a grain of rice, to brush your baby’s teeth once they appear.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Baby’s Gums and Teeth
Cleaning the gums:
- Use a clean wash cloth, gauze, or gum wipes.
- Gently rub the cloth over your baby’s gums, both the top and the bottom.
- Repeat after each feeding.
Brushing teeth:
- Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush.
- Apply a tiny dab of baby toothpaste containing fluoride (the size of a grain of rice).
- Brush your baby’s teeth in a gentle, circular motion.
- Do not rinse your baby’s mouth after brushing.
- Brush twice a day, morning and night.
- Start flossing once you see teeth touching together.
Tips for Making Oral Care Fun and Stress-Free
When you start cleaning your baby’s gums at birth they quickly become used to the experience and rarely are bothered by it, but these tips can make it more fun.
- Clean your baby’s gums or teeth after feedings when they are satisfied.
- Keep the experience positive and light-hearted.
- Use a song or a toy to help make it more enjoyable.
- Introduce a toothbrush gradually for an easier transition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much toothpaste. Don’t over apply toothpaste. Use just a tiny dab no bigger than a grain of rice.
- Skipping oral care before teeth emerge. Don’t assume that you don’t need oral care because your baby doesn’t have teeth yet. Cleaning the gums is also important.
When to Visit a Pediatric Dentist
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that babies have their first dental visit around the age of one, or within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth. The first visit is an introduction to the experience of a typical dental visit with an emphasis on discussing home care that will prevent cavities from developing.
Schedule Your Baby’s First Visit Today
If your baby is approaching their first birthday, call Pediatric Dentistry Kahala today at 808-737-0076 or contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to providing a positive start to your child’s oral health that will carry them well into adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care
My child is already a year old, is it too late to schedule their first visit?
It is never too late to schedule a dental checkup for your child. Though it is best to begin early, preventive dental care is beneficial at any age.
Is it ok for my baby to use a pacifier or suck their thumb?
It is normal for babies to be soothed by a pacifier or thumb sucking, but it is important to ensure the habit does not continue into early childhood. Extended pacifier use or thumb-sucking can cause orthodontic issues and have a negative impact on jaw development.
Pediatric Dentistry Kahala provides comprehensive dental care for children of all ages from infants through young adults. Our fun and relaxing environment puts kids at ease and helps establish a positive association with oral health. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.