Dr. Elaine Martinez Pediatric Dentistry

How early do I start brushing my baby's teeth?

As soon as the first baby tooth erupts in the baby’s mouth. A wide variety of toothbrushes are available in the market, the brush must have very soft and short bristles to fit in the baby’s mouth. The toothbrush can be used wet or with a very small amount on nonfluoridated toothpaste specially design for infants and toddlers. The parent should brush the infant’s teeth after every feeding if possible. Indiscriminate nursing, whether breast or bottle fed can contribute to the development of early childhood caries (ECC).

Toddler’s teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime. Bedtime is always the most important time to brush the teeth. At night time the saliva flow diminishes, and the bacteria will have time to turn sugar into acids that destroy and penetrate the enamel. Brushing must be done by one of the parents or caregiver, brushing should not be left for the toddler to do by himself. Brush your child’s teeth first with toothpaste and then let the little one practice. The toothbrush is not a toy; do not allow your child to run with the toothbrush in his mouth a serious injury can happen.

Most parents find brushing in a seating position to be easiest, but you can seat on the floor, the bed or the couch and place your child’s head on your lap. If your toddler is not cooperating, wrap one of your legs around both of his legs, use the free hand to hold his hands and your other hand to brush his teeth, he will probably be protesting with the mouth wide open! Make sure you remove food particles and plaque, brush all surfaces.

A small circular motion may be used, cover every tooth surface. Begin with the upper right molars and work your way around and then do the same for the lower teeth. Ask your little one to his mouth and brush the sides of the teeth all the way around next to the cheeks. Gently pull the bottom lip away from the front teeth and brush upward and away from the gum line.

If your child has no spaces between her teeth, flossing should begin. The same reclined position used in brushing should be used in flossing. There are so many kinds of floss, try flavored floss or waxed floss, is your choice. Wrap the floss in a C-shape around each tooth and use an up and down motion.

No matter how much your child prefers to delay or avoid brushing, do it! It is much better for you to battle at home than for your child to experience early decay and have to undergo dental treatment at age two or three.

Brush’em, brush’em, keep those pearly whites shining!

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