When to Start Brushing Your Baby's Teeth

Even though they will eventually fall out, your child's baby teeth are essential to their oral and overall health. That's why brushing them is so important. Here, our Hamilton dentists explain. 

Although you do not need to begin brushing with a toothbrush or toothpaste until your infant’s teeth begin to erupt, you should clean your baby’s gums on a daily basis.

Baby teeth usually start to erupt when children are between six and nine months of age. These teeth are very important - they help your child eat, speak and eventually guide their adult teeth into the correct spots.

Before the First Tooth

Proper dental care actually begins before your child's first tooth appears. Each day, you should run a clean, damp washcloth over the gums to wipe away harmful bacteria.

Cleaning your baby’s gums a part of their daily care routine right from the start will help ensure that by the time your baby’s first tooth comes in, you and your baby are both already accustomed to regular mouth cleanings. It will also help alert you to when your child's teeth are beginning to erupt. 

When the First Tooth Appears

As soon as the first tooth appears, you should start brushing with an infant toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste.

Baby teeth must be cleaned on a regular basis because like adults, infants can also get cavities! Once your child has a tooth, plaque can begin building up on the surface of the tooth and causing decay. 

Children should brush at least twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed. Flossing can begin once your child has two teeth side-by-side.

Tips for Oral Care of Baby Teeth

Even babies can develop tooth decay if good habits aren't practiced. By following these oral health tips, you can help your child's baby teeth remain healthy:

• Avoid putting a baby to sleep with a bottle. It might be convenient but can harm the baby's teeth. When sugars from juice or milk sit on a baby's teeth for hours, they can eat away at the enamel, creating a condition known as bottle mouth. 
• Teach your children good dental care habits early. When you show them how to take care of their baby teeth you are starting positive habits that will last a lifetime.
• Visit a dentist who provides children's preventive services by the age of one year, or around the time when the first teeth appear.  This will help preserve the baby teeth until they are ready to fall out and be replaced by the adult teeth.

To book an appointment for your child to see the dentist, contact Downtown Dental of Hamilton today!