Brushing Baby Teeth: Oral Hygiene Practices You Should Know

Good oral hygiene is essential in setting up a foundation for healthy teeth and gums throughout a person’s life. Taking the proper steps to ensure that a baby’s teeth are getting adequate attention is vitally important and should not be taken lightly. 

In this article, we will discuss the basics of brushing baby teeth properly. Plus, we’ll provide useful tips for making sure your baby’s teeth are healthy and some trusted brands of baby toothbrush. 

Why is it important to start brushing baby teeth as soon as possible?

It is important to start brushing baby teeth as soon as possible because it helps to establish good oral hygiene habits early on in life. Studies have found that the bacteria in a baby’s mouth can influence future dental health and that early tooth brushing can help to prevent future problems from developing.

Additionally, you can prevent cavities and decay. Baby teeth are just as susceptible to tooth decay as adult teeth. And this hygienic practice helps to remove the plaque that can build up on their teeth and can lead to gum disease. 

On top of it, brushing a baby’s teeth can help them to get used to the sensation of having their teeth brushed. And this will make it easier for them to accept brushing as they get older.

Steps on how to brush your baby’s teeth

1. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants and toddlers.
2. Put a tiny dab or pea-size of toothpaste on the brush and gently brush each tooth in a circular motion.
3. Brush the tongue and gums as well.
4. After two minutes, rinse their mouth with water.

It is recommended that parents brush their baby’s teeth first thing in the morning and last thing at night. On the other hand, some dentists suggest brushing after meals and snacks, but this option may not always be practical. 

Also, it is important to note that you should replace their toothbrush every three months or after they have been ill.

Tips on monitoring the health of baby teeth

After your baby has all twenty of their baby teeth, it’s important to monitor their health and condition. You can do this in several ways, check out our tips below:

• Check for discoloration or staining on teeth, which can be indicative of plaque buildup or other dental issues. 
• Look for any signs of decay, such as small holes or spots on the teeth. 
• Check for any chipped or broken teeth, which can happen due to chewing on hard objects, or even from gum or pacifier use. 
• Watch for any signs of gum recession or other periodontal issues. This can include redness, swelling, or bleeding gums.

 If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your dentist to get it checked out.

Ways to encourage babies to cooperate with brushing teeth

It can be a challenge to get babies to cooperate with brushing teeth, but it’s important to find ways to encourage them. Here are some ways to help baby cooperate with this hygienic practice:

1. Use a mild-tasting toothpaste and a soft brush, so the taste and texture of the brush are less distracting or unpleasant.
2. Sing with your little one or do a story to time while brushing.
3. Get a timer or a two-minute egg timer to help your baby understand the concept of time.
4. Let your baby hold the toothbrush, to increase their sense of control.
5. Have your baby practice brushing on a stuffed animal.
6. Offer positive reinforcements and praise when your baby cooperates.
7. Make the brushing experience fun and interactive.
8. Offer rewards for brushing teeth.

And to help you find the best toothbrush for your little one, here are some of our recommended brands:

Pigeon Training Toothbrush Set

First on our list is this toothbrush set from the Japanese baby brand Pigeon. This comes as a set of three, starting with a brush for 2-3 milk teeth around 6-8 months. This is followed by 8 to 10 milk teeth at 8 to 12 months, and lastly, one for full milk teeth at 12 months up.

Features we love

• design
  • You know this has been thoughtfully designed because it considers the different stages of the baby’s teeth
  • Toothbrush lesson 1: soft bristles to help gently clean baby’s tooth and gums, a soft textured grip that’s easy to hold, attachable safety shield to prevent choking
  • Toothbrush lesson 2: soft bristles shaped like a toothbrush, slightly longer handle, attachable safety shield to prevent choking
  • And toothbrush lesson 3: made of fine super-soft nylon bristles, flat handle to help grip
• safety
  • BPA-free
  • age-appropriate materials
  • attachable safety shield

Chicco Baby Moments Toothbrush

This baby toothbrush is for little ones who are 6-36 months. While it looks like your typical toothbrush, it has several features that are thoughtfully designed for a baby.

One of these is the ergonomic and non-slip cable for the grip. It also has ultra-soft conical bristles for the teeth and gums.

Features we love

• design
  • has a rounded head and thin neck designed for baby’s mouth
  • ultra-fine tapered bristles that are gentle on the gums
  • slightly angled neck to reach the back corners of the mouth
• safety
  • BPA-free

Tiny Buds Baby’s First Toothbrush & Tongue Cleaner Set

Tiny Buds is fast becoming one of the most well-loved brands for baby essentials because of its reasonable prices and well-designed products. This toothbrush set is made of super-soft BPA-free silicone so you can rest assured that it’s safe for your baby.

Features we love

• design
  • comes with a toothbrush and tongue cleaner
  • cleans milk and food buildup on the teeth, gums, and tongue
  • made of super-soft BPA-free silicone
• safety
  • has a safety stopper to prevent the baby from choking

Baby teeth are more delicate and require special care. Aside from brushing their teeth at an early stage, it is important to choose the right dentist for them. Make dental visits a regular part of your baby’s teeth as soon as they start to come in.

Remember that good dental care in infancy can help protect your child’s teeth and gums, and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits.