How to Start Brushing Baby's First Tooth

Posted on 12/16/2024 by NC Pediatric Dentisty

woman holding a young baby and attempting to brush the baby's teeth

Congratulations on your new arrival! As your baby grows and develops, so will their oral health needs. One of the most important things you can do for your child's oral health is to start brushing their teeth as soon as their first tooth erupts.

When to Start Brushing

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as their first tooth appears. This may be as early as 6 months old, but it can also be later.

Even though your baby only has one tooth, it's important to start a good oral hygiene routine early. This will help your child get used to the feeling of having their teeth brushed and will make it easier to establish a regular brushing routine as they get older.

What You'll Need

To brush your baby's teeth, you'll need a few things:

•	A soft-bristled toothbrush designed for babies.
•	A small amount of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice).
•	A cup of water.

How to Brush

Here are the steps on how to brush your baby's teeth:

1~	Wet the toothbrush and apply a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
2~	Gently brush the top and bottom of your baby's tooth in small circles.
3~	Be sure to brush all the surfaces of the tooth, including the chewing surface.
4~	Rinse your baby's mouth with water.

You can also use a washcloth or your finger to wipe your baby's gums if they don't have any teeth yet.

Tips

Here are a few tips for brushing your baby's teeth:

•	Make brushing fun! Sing a song, tell a story, or let your baby choose a toothbrush they like.
•	Be patient. It may take some time for your baby to get used to having their teeth brushed.
•	Don't worry if your baby doesn't want to brush for very long at first. Just keep trying and they will eventually get used to it.
•	Make sure to brush your baby's teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
•	Schedule regular dental checkups for your child starting at age 1.

Prevention Dentistry

Brushing your baby's teeth is an important part of prevention dentistry. Prevention dentistry is all about preventing oral health problems before they start. By starting good oral hygiene habits early, you can help your child avoid cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems down the road.

Conclusion

Starting a good oral hygiene routine early is important for your child's overall health. By following these tips, you can help your child develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

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How to Start Brushing Baby's First Tooth

When to Start Brushing

What You'll Need

How to Brush

Tips

Prevention Dentistry

Conclusion

Smiles from ear-to-ear with locations from here-to-here.

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