Take care of your baby’s teeth
1) When do I start brushing my baby’s teeth ?
It is recommended to start brushing your baby’s teeth twice a day as soon as his or her first tooth appears. If you start early, your baby will have the habit of cleaning his teeth.
2) Which toothbrush to use for my baby ?
At first, it may be easier to clean your baby’s teeth with a small piece of wet compress. Wrap it around your finger, drop a dab of toothpaste and lightly rub your baby’s teeth.
If you prefer to use a brush, choose one with soft and rounded bristles, of different lengths and slightly rounded head. This will allow you to access every nook and cranny of your baby’s mouth without much difficulty. Read information on the package to find out what age range the brush you have chosen is for.
Change the brush, preferably every three months or sooner if the hair starts to wear.
3) What toothpaste to choose for my baby ?
Fluoride toothpastes help prevent cavities, but too much fluoride can be harmful. When choosing a toothpaste, check the fluoride content:
Before three years, use a toothpaste less rich in fluoride, about 1 mg of fluoride per gram of paste.
Beyond three years, you can use a conventional toothpaste containing between 1350 and 1500 ppm of fluoride.
Use only a small amount of dough and when your baby is bigger, encourage him to spit out. If you follow these recommendations, toothpastes containing little fluoride and ordinary toothpastes will not pose any danger even in areas where fluoride has been added to water.
Absorbing too much fluorine can damage teeth and stain them.
4) How to clean my baby’s teeth ?
Try to get in the habit of cleaning your baby’s teeth twice a day. Do it once in the morning during your daily routine. And do it a second time in the evening, after your child has swallowed his last drink and before he goes to bed. Put a small amount of toothpaste on the brush, less than three quarters of the hair should be covered.
Make small circular movements with the brush by gently emphasizing the area where the tooth and gum meet. Remember that when your teeth grow, your baby’s gums are more sensitive. Do not brush too hard.
When you’re done, make sure your baby spits toothpaste well, but you do not need to rinse your mouth with a lot of water. It has been proven that rinsing the mouth after brushing decreases the effectiveness of the toothpaste.
You may be more comfortable placing your baby on your lap in front of you to brush your teeth. This position is also convenient with toddlers. Discover other tips for brushing the teeth of a toddler who does not let go.
If your baby refuses to be brushed, give him a toothbrush in his hand. He will be happy to imitate the elders. You can also let him try to brush his teeth himself and clean them afterwards.
When you can, let your baby watch you brushing your teeth. He will learn how to brush his teeth!
Your dentist will be happy to advise you if you need help.
5) When should I take my baby to the dentist ?
Bring your baby with you as soon as possible when you have a dentist appointment. He will become accustomed to the environment, the smells, the noises and the ritual of the care.
6) Do I need fluoride supplements for my baby ?
A fluoride intake is recommended. Attention, it seems however that too much fluorine intake can damage the teeth and stain the enamel. Ask your pediatrician and dentist for advice.
7) Other tips to protect and care for baby’s teeth
Cavity do not come from too much sugar in your baby’s diet, but how often sugar is consumed during the day in the form of food or drink.
Reserve sweet foods at meals. This includes dried fruits that are highly concentrated in sugar and stick to the teeth.
8) For your child to have good teeth, consider:
- Give only breast milk or powdered milk, or warm boiled water as a drink to your baby.
- Avoid syrups, fruit juices, flavored milk and soft drinks. These drinks often contain a lot of sugar and cause cavities.
- Give your baby a drink in a cup from about six months old and have him give up his bottle after one year.
- Once your baby has passed this age, give him water to drink at night.
- Give your baby a healthy and balanced diet.
- Encourage your child to enjoy salty foods such as vegetables and pasta and do not add sugar to their diet.
If you use baby prepared foods, make sure they are sugar-free and contain no added sugar. no added sugars or sweeteners. Be aware that other sugars such as lactose, fructose and glucose are just as harmful to your baby’s teeth as sucrose.
Choose sugar-free medicines if your baby needs to take them.
