It’s true what they say about having and raising a child — it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures! But it’s also no surprise that that gorgeous young human is the result of a loving parent’s hard work and persistence!
You want to make sure your child gets enough sleep and playtime, eats the correct meals, meets developmental milestones, and so on as a parent.
It’s easy to overlook oral health when there’s such a big list of things to keep your infant healthy. Is it really that vital to take care of her teeth when she just has a few of them? Isn’t it true that she’ll lose her milk teeth anyway? Unfortunately, this is not the case. The notion that baby teeth don’t matter because they fall out anyway is a frequent one that can be harmful to your child’s health.
Why Milk Teeth Matter
In more ways than you might understand, milk teeth serve as the basis for permanent teeth. The following are some of the reasons:
- Caries in milk teeth make permanent teeth more vulnerable to cavities. According to research and studies, the risk increases by up to three times.
- If you neglect your baby teeth, your child may lose his or her milk teeth too soon. Because milk teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth, losing them too soon might cause permanent teeth to develop incorrectly and in the wrong places.
- From the standpoint of development, a child’s first five years are crucial. Healthy milk teeth allow them to chew their food thoroughly and obtain the nutrients they need.
Now that we know how important Milk teeth are, it’s time to learn how to take care of them. Milk teeth are brittle and prone to cavities.
Fortunately, taking care of them is simple and, if begun early on, can lead to increased bonding between you and your partner. While you’re at it, check out our guide to caring for milk teeth in a fun and easy way!
When Should You Start Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth?
Brushing should begin as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears in his or her mouth. Cleaning using a brush is the most efficient method. Brushing with a cloth or your finger is ineffective, so begin brushing as soon as possible. Begin with a baby-safe toothbrush, such as Colgate Kids 0-2 Toothbrush, and a baby-safe toothpaste, such as Colgate Kids 0-2 Years Toothpaste, which contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives and is safe if accidently ingested. When your child’s teething is over and his or her eating habits have changed, switch to Colgate Kids 3-5 Years toothpaste, which protects delicate milk teeth from cavities.
It is also recommended that the baby’s teeth be inspected by a pedodontist once during the first year.
How to Brush Your Baby’s Teeth
The tips listed below will help you brush your baby’s teeth properly.
- Choose a location with plenty of light. Placing your baby’s head on your lap is a good idea.
- When your baby’s teeth begin to erupt, begin brushing with a small, soft toothbrush.
- Brush your baby’s teeth with a little amount of baby-safe toothpaste, such as Colgate Kids 0-2 Years toothpaste. For your newborn, even toothpaste the size of a rice grain will suffice. Colgate’s 0-2 Years toothpaste offers a less abrasive composition that gently cleans milk teeth and has no artificial preservatives, flavours, or colours.
- Brush the bristles of the toothbrush against the gum line and at an angle adjacent to a row of teeth. Brush each individual tooth carefully and gently as you approach the mouth. Brush the front and back of each tooth with little, back-and-forth strokes and mild circular motions. For optimal results, repeat this process twice a day.
- Don’t forget to use the toothbrush to clean your baby’s tongue as well. This will help to reduce bacterial buildup and unpleasant breath.
- Rinse the toothbrush with water after brushing and set it aside to dry.
When it comes to cleaning your baby’s teeth, it’s never too early to start! Knowing when to brush their baby’s teeth can have a big impact on their child’s dental health in the future.
FAQ
- When do I need to start brushing my baby’s teeth?
You don’t have to start brushing your baby’s teeth with a toothbrush or toothpaste until they emerge, but you should clean his or her gums every day. Cleaning your baby’s gums on a frequent basis, beginning just a few days after birth, is recommended by the American Dental Association.
- What happens if u dont brush baby teeth?
Inadequate brushing, according to Dr. Giuliano, can allow bacteria to grow in the body, causing inflammation and sickness not only in the mouth, but throughout the child’s entire body.
- How should you brush a baby’s primary teeth that have just started to appear?
When your baby’s teeth appear, begin brushing them.
You can begin cleaning your baby’s teeth as they emerge by wiping them with a soft cloth or brushing them with a little toothbrush and water. Brush your child’s teeth with a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste when he or she is 18 months old. - When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth with fluoride?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests using cavity-preventive fluoride toothpaste as soon as a baby’s first tooth appears, rather than waiting until age two as previously advised. For your baby or toddler, start with a rice-grain-sized smear of toothpaste and work your way up to a pea-sized dollop by age three.
