Baby Teeth Brushing Guide

Watching baby's first teeth erupt is a thrilling moment in their growth. While this joy is rewarded, caring for these "little pearls" can be a challenge for many parents. Many parents find that their babies' resistance to brushing is as strong as taking medication or getting an injection.

In fact, getting your baby to accept and get used to brushing isn't difficult; it just requires a little skill and patience. This article will provide a comprehensive tooth brushing guide, starting with the first tooth, to make brushing a sweet moment for parents and children, not a daily battle.

When is the best time to start brushing?

Many parents believe they should wait until all their baby's teeth have grown before starting to brush, but this is a common misconception. Oral care should begin at birth:

1. From birth to teething (0-6 months): After each feeding, gently wipe your baby's gums and tongue with a clean gauze pad or finger towel dampened in warm water to remove any residual milk.
2. When the first tooth erupts (usually around 6 months): This is a clear sign to start brushing! The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends starting brushing as soon as a baby's first tooth erupts.
3. Around one year old: It's recommended to take your baby for their first dental checkup no later than their first birthday.

How to properly brush your baby's teeth?

Choosing the right tools

Choosing the right brushing tools is crucial:

Toothbrush: Choose a children's toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. For babies under 3 years old, we recommend using an extra-soft toothbrush. You can also let your child choose a toothbrush with a favorite cartoon pattern to improve their acceptance.

Toothpaste: For their first toothpaste, choose a gel-based and fluoride baby toothpaste. Its soft texture allows for deeper cleaning between teeth. Fluoride toothpaste effectively prevents cavities.

Toothpaste Amount: Use a grain-of-rice-sized amount for children under 3 years old; a pea-sized amount for children 3-6 years old.

Many parents choose non-fluoride toothpaste, because they think babies can't rinse their mouths yet and are worried about swallowing toothpaste. This is common and understandable. However, because toothpaste usage is strictly controlled for babies under three years old, the amount of toothpaste used is minimal. Even swallowing a small amount of it won't affect the baby's health, so parents don't need to worry too much.

Brushing Position

Putting your baby in a safe and comfortable position is key to successful tooth brushing:

Have your baby lie on your lap with their head tilted back slightly.

You can also choose to sit in a safe, well-lit area such as a sofa, rug, or bed.

This position is convenient for you and helps your baby feel secure.

Brushing Technique

• Angle and Pressure: Hold the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and gently brush the area between the teeth and gums. Use gentle pressure to avoid damaging your baby's delicate gums.
• Sequence: Ensure all three surfaces of the teeth (outer, inner, and occlusal surfaces) are cleaned. Start with the right side, then the left, and then the outside, then the inside, to avoid missing any teeth.
• Duration: Each brushing session should last approximately 2-3 minutes to ensure every tooth is cleaned.
• Frequency: Brush once daily, morning and evening, especially before bed.

Why do babies resist brushing? Understanding the Reasons

Babies' resistance to tooth brushing isn't intentional non-cooperation; there are several reasons:

1. Tactile Sensitivity: Babies' mouths are very sensitive, and the feel of a toothbrush can be uncomfortable or even frightening.
2. Uncomfortable User Experience: Dislike of the toothpaste taste, a hard toothbrush, or excessive pressure from parents can all cause discomfort.
3. Developing Self-Awareness: Babies aged 2-3 enter a "rebellious phase" and tend to say "no." Brushing their teeth becomes a way for them to assert their autonomy.
4. Lack of Immediate Feedback: Even if they don't brush their teeth today, they won't immediately develop cavities tomorrow, making it difficult for them to grasp the importance of brushing.

Five Tips to Make Your Baby Love Brushing

After addressing the reasons for resistance, let's look at practical solutions:

1. Parents Lead by Example: Let children see how parents enjoy brushing their teeth, and they'll naturally imitate them. Children can also help parents check their teeth to increase their sense of participation.

2. Game-Based Tooth brushing:

Use tooth brushing picture books (such as "The Tooth worm Family Moves") to help children understand the importance of brushing.

Let your child brush their toy doll's teeth to foster a sense of belonging.

3. Choose appropriate tools and flavors: Let your child choose their favorite cartoon toothbrush and fruit-flavored toothpaste to encourage initiative. For younger children, a fingertip toothbrush can protect the parent's fingers from being bitten.

4. Establish a sense of ritual: Make tooth brushing a regular bedtime ritual, performed at a fixed time each day, so your child knows that brushing is a daily necessity, just like eating.

5. Music and timers: Play fun brushing songs or use a two-minute hourglass to help your child maintain a sense of time and add to the fun.

FAQ

Q1: Do decayed baby teeth need treatment? Will they eventually replace them?

A: This is a common misconception. The health of baby teeth directly impacts the development of permanent teeth. Severe decay in baby teeth can affect the development and calcification of future permanent teeth and even alter the position of the tooth germ.

Q2: When can a child brush their own teeth?

A: Children generally master brushing techniques around age 8. Before this, parental assistance and supervision are necessary. You can adopt the "child brushes first, then the parent brushes" model.

Q3: Is flossing necessary?

A: Yes. Once a child has a large number of primary teeth, it's best to floss at least once a day. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth, areas that a toothbrush can't reach.

Q4: Is an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush better?

A: For infants and young children, a small, soft-bristled manual toothbrush is generally more suitable. Studies by Stomatological Association have shown that a properly used manual toothbrush can achieve a cleaning efficiency of up to 85%.

Conclusion

Getting your baby to accept brushing requires patience and skill, but the investment is worth it. Healthy primary teeth are not only important for a baby's chewing function and facial development, but also for the health of their permanent teeth and their self-confidence.

Try to start with these methods and techniques to help your child develop good oral hygiene habits and a bright smile that will last a lifetime.