When and How to Brush Your Baby's Teeth

You may be wondering when is the right time to start brushing your baby's teeth. Well, the answer is that it's never too early to start thinking about your baby's oral care. You should begin brushing their teeth as soon as they start coming in. When the first tooth starts to grow, you should start thinking of the baby's oral health. But when exactly is the best time to brush a baby's teeth? And how should you go about it? Keep reading for all the details. 

What do you need to know about baby teeth?

Just like adult teeth, baby teeth are important for many reasons. They help your baby chew food properly and speak clearly. Baby teeth also hold space for the permanent teeth that will come in later. You want that your baby has a beautiful smile one day, but, more importantly, awareness of the importance of dental health and proper oral care, right? Then, you should brush baby teeth gently and regularly.

When to start brushing baby's teeth?

Ideally, you should start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they start coming in. This usually happens at around 6 months of age. However, if your baby is younger than 6 months old, you can still start gently cleaning their teeth with a soft cloth or gauze. Namely, a baby's teeth are very susceptible to decay and need to be brushed or wiped down at least once a day.

How to brush a baby's teeth?

When you do start brushing your baby's teeth (and baby's gums), be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is small enough for their mouth. You should also use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste — just enough to cover the bristles of the brush. Gently brush in a circular motion on all of your baby's teeth and baby's gums, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Be sure to brush their tongue, too! Finish up by rinsing their mouth with water. It's important to make brushing your baby's teeth part of your daily routine. Not only will it keep their teeth healthy and decay-free, but it will also help them develop good oral hygiene habits for life. So start brushing those pearly whites early on! Here's a short guide on how to brush baby's teeth:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is small enough for their mouth.
• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, covering the bristles of the brush.
• Brush in a circular motion on all of your baby's teeth and gum. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
• Brush their tongue, too!
• Finish up by rinsing their mouth with water.

[caption id="attachment_11906" align="aligncenter" width="803"] If your baby is resistant to having its teeth brushed, be patient and keep trying every day. And don't forget to smile while doing it![/caption]

What if my baby won't let me brush their teeth?

If your baby doesn't want you to brush their teeth, don't force them! You can try gently coaxing them into opening their mouth with a wet washcloth, but if they're still resistant, just give up for the day. Try again another time. It's also important to keep in mind that some babies are just more resistant to having their teeth brushed than others. If your baby falls into this category, don't worry! Just be patient and keep trying every day. Eventually, they will get used to it.

What do you need to know about baby toothpaste?

When brushing your baby's teeth, you should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. However, it is important to use toothpaste that is specifically designed for babies. Those kinds of toothpaste are much less abrasive than adult toothpaste and will not harm delicate baby teeth and gums.

How to pick the right toothpaste?

There are many different types of baby toothpaste on the market these days. So, how do you know which one is right for your baby? First, take a look at the ingredients. Baby toothpaste should only contain fluoride, water, and natural flavoring. If it contains anything else (including sugar), steer clear! Also, be sure to read the instructions carefully. Some kinds of toothpaste require you to spit out the toothpaste after brushing, while others can be swallowed. Finally, choose a toothpaste that your baby will enjoy using. Many baby kinds of toothpaste come in fun flavors like strawberry or grape. If your child doesn't like the taste of traditional toothpaste, try a flavored variety. [caption id="attachment_11909" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Make sure that you go with your baby to a pediatric dentist regularly.[/caption]

Why do you need fluoride toothpaste?

It is important to use toothpaste that contains fluoride when brushing your baby's teeth. Fluoride helps to protect teeth from decay and cavities. Some parents are hesitant to give their babies fluoride toothpaste, but it is perfectly safe and recommended by dentists. You can find fluoride toothpaste for babies at most drugstores and grocery stores. Always read the label before purchasing to be sure that the toothpaste contains fluoride. Remember, it is never too early to start thinking about your baby's dental health! Be sure to brush baby teeth daily and don't forget to go on regular check-ups with your pediatric dentist.

Fluoride toothpaste and allergies

Some babies are allergic to fluoride toothpaste. If your baby experiences any adverse reactions after brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste (such as excessive drooling, redness, or swelling), stop using the toothpaste and consult your pediatrician.

How to pick the right baby toothbrush?

When it comes to toothbrushes for babies, there are three things you need to look for: soft bristles, a small head, and easy-to-grip handles. You can find infant toothbrush at most drugstores and grocery stores. Just be sure to read the label before purchasing to make sure that the toothbrush has soft bristles.

Try FOREO's ISSA baby, ultra-hygienic electric toothbrush

Pediatric dentists agree that it’s never too early to start cleaning your baby’s teeth and gums. Even before the first tooth emerges, harmful bacteria grow inside your infant’s mouth and upon their soft gums — bacteria that can damage developing teeth even before they appear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN-ilEB70n8   The good news is that technological advancements have now made it possible to create the perfect toothbrush for your child. It’s called ISSA baby. Namely, dentists across the world are recommending electric toothbrushes for babies to establish good brushing habits.

Why ISSA baby is so special?

It's gentle

Unlike our competitors, ISSA baby is made entirely of super-soft, medical-grade silicone, so you don’t have to worry about your baby scratching soft baby tooth enamel, or damaging gum tissue. Gentle sonic pulsations also massage the gums without applying too much pressure, helping to soothe irritation and provide a full mouth clean - making this the GENTLEST baby toothbrush available.

It's safe

ISSA baby also features an ultra-safe and ergonomic design with absolutely no detachable parts and no sharp edges, so parents’ minds can rest at ease. ISSA baby was specially designed to be safe for children ages 0 and over. Made of medical-grade silicone & PBT, free of BPA and phthalates, and with gentle sonic pulsations that feel pleasant and soothing on teeth and gums, ISSA baby prevents tooth enamel damage and gum irritation while giving children a whole-mouth clean. It has even been redesigned to be more robust to manage accidental drops and inevitable chews - making it the SAFEST infant toothbrush on the market.

It's practical

ISSA baby lasts for up to 480 uses per charge and rewards your child with cute Glee & Glum light helpers that appear when teeth are brushed properly and regularly. You will make brushing so much fun with its buzz and tickle sonic pulsations that you’ll have to fight to take your baby’s favorite toy away from them. That's why ISSA baby is the most PRACTICAL toothbrush for babies.

It's sooo funny!

Last, but not least... Your babies are going to LOVE ISSA baby toothbrush! You can choose between five vibrant colors - bubble blue, pearl pink, sunflower yellow, kiwi green, and strawberry rose. [caption id="attachment_11908" align="aligncenter" width="802"] FOREO's ISSA baby toothbrushes are the safest, gentlest and most practical toothbrushes for babies you can imagine.[/caption]

Mistakes you should avoid while brushing baby's teeth

Not brushing at all

This is the worst mistake you can make when it comes to your baby's teeth. Neglecting to brush your child's teeth can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

Brushing too hard

As it's said before, it's important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing a young child's teeth, as excessive force can damage their delicate enamel and gums. Don't brush them like you are brushing your own teeth (even though, you should be gentle to your teeth as well).

Using adult toothpaste

Don't use adult toothpaste on your baby - it can be too harsh and may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Look for fluoride toothpaste specifically designed for babies instead. [caption id="attachment_11911" align="aligncenter" width="803"] Your babies are going to love ISSA baby toothbrush because you can choose between five vibrant colors.[/caption]

Don't forget to smile

Make sure that you go with your baby to a pediatric dentist regularly. That's the only way to develop healthy habits that lead to good oral health. And lastly, don't forget to smile while brushing teeth! Your baby will love to see your smile and will want to imitate you. Also, your baby will think of brushing as of fun activity. In the end, a beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth and gums — and that starts with brushing your baby's teeth and baby's gums regularly from an early age.