Massaging your infant’s gums while teething is not only soothing for the child, but it also begins teaching your child to become familiar with brushing. Wiping a baby's toothless gums with a wet washcloth after feedings can also promote gum health as it removes surface bacteria that can cause inflammation.
Once your child’s first teeth have come in, use a soft toothbrush, which you can use on both the teeth and the gums. Dr. Matt Corbin with Corbin Dental recommends brushing your child’s teeth twice per day for two minutes with short, circular movements to reach all tooth surfaces.
Knowing when a child is capable of brushing their own teeth effectively can be tricky. Dr. Corbin suggests following the rule of thumb that if a child is capable of tying their own shoes, then they are able to brush their teeth effectively. Until then, parents should do the brushing to make sure all surfaces are reached appropriately.
Fluoridated toothpaste is one of the best and safest ways we can prevent cavities. Fluoride works to protect teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to cavities and can even help arrest or reverse the early stages of tooth decay. Once those first teeth start coming through the gums, it is safe to begin brushing them using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. At age 3, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and have your child spit after brushing.
For more information about your child’s dental health, call Corbin Dental in Franklin, NC today to schedule an appointment.
