How and When to Brush & Care for Your Baby’s Teeth
- Feb 13
- 2 min read
Care of your baby’s teeth needs to begin in infancy, advises Dentistry in Streetsville in Mississauga. To offer some guidance, the trusted family dentist provides parents and caregivers with info about home methods of oral care for babies.
A proper regimen of oral care is important for the development of your baby’s teeth and a glowing smile:
Lay your baby down in a way that’s comfortable for each of you.
Be sure that you can see easily into your baby’s mouth.
Wipe or gently brush your baby’s teeth and gums using a clean, damp washcloth or a soft baby brush.
When brushing, after 18 months of age, the toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle to the teeth. Hold the toothbrush to where the gums and teeth meet. Then, use a gentle circular motion to clean tenderly. If you brush too hard, you can harm the gums. Work carefully to clean every part of every tooth. Take your time, and be extra gentle in the process.
Children under three years of age should always have their teeth brushed by an adult. As well, an adult should continue to assist and supervise children aged three to six. It’s important that we evaluate a child’s teeth in infancy when the first tooth appears and continue thereafter with regular dental checkups.
It’s best for children to use toothpaste. If so, use only the smallest amount - about the size of a pea for young children six and under. Toothpaste should not be used until your young child has teeth. The toothpaste should have fluoride. For toothpaste that is sold in Canada, one way to confirm this is to check that the packaging has the symbol for the Canadian Dental Association printed on it. This is an assurance that the toothpaste contains fluoride. Teach your child to always spit out the toothpaste while brushing; otherwise, they run the risk of developing something called “dental fluorosis”, which can be caused by the excessive swallowing of toothpaste. If too young, you must wipe the excess toothpaste out immediately.
Toothbrushes need to be small for the child’s mouth. Bristles should be soft and rounded. It’s recommended to change the brush every couple of months. If there’s any wear to the toothbrush or if the bristles become bent, the toothbrush will need to be replaced.
Keep in mind that your child will need to be monitored as they (and you!) continue to learn about best oral care practices over the years. Dentistry in Streetsville offers dental services for every member of the family, and would be more than happy to advise you on the proper dental care for your infant or other young children.
Contact us at Dentistry in Streetsville by calling 905-821-8221 or emailing reception@dentistryinstreetsville.com. Dentistry in Streetsville is located at 100 Queen Street South, Suite 101, in Mississauga. Also, visit us on Facebook and Instagram at DentistryInStreetsville.