Baby teeth, or first teeth, usually start to appear in a baby's mouth between three and 15 months of age. The 20 total baby teeth help a child consume foods until permanent teeth grow in, so proper care is important. Cleaning baby teeth correctly helps prevent painful tooth decay. Parents can also ensure proper baby teeth care by avoiding milk or juice bottles in the crib, and taking a baby to his first dentist visit before his first birthday.
Step 1
Clean new baby teeth with a soft, clean washcloth. This is easier to maneuver around a small mouth and doesn't injure a baby's mouth as a hard, plastic toothbrush might. Allow your baby to chew on the washcloth, which cleans teeth and may alleviate teething pain. Switch to a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush around the 1-year-old mark.
Step 2
Use plain water or a bit of fluoride-free baby toothpaste. Switch to a low-fluoride toothpaste around age 2. Supervise your child closely when using fluoride toothpaste to ensure that all of it is spit out. Ask your doctor for her opinion on fluoride safety for your child. Some feel fluoride is safe and helpful in protecting against cavities; others say it's dangerous. Check with your city on specific fluoride levels in your drinking water.
Step 3
Allow your young child to begin brushing his teeth independently if he shows an interest. Encourage his effort and praise the attempt. Help your child, as he may miss spots in the beginning. Try allowing him to brush teeth all by himself in the morning, and let him know that you'll brush his teeth before bedtime. Use a soft, circular motion when brushing baby teeth. Time the brushing for two to three minutes. Brush teeth twice a day and after anything sticky is eaten.
Step 4
Begin flossing at an early age. Flossing removes hard-to-reach areas that brushing can't. Floss gently and carefully once a day, starting as early as when two teeth grow in that touch each other. Avoid mouthwash at an early age. It's unnecessary.
Things You'll Need
- Soft washcloth
- Baby toothbrush
- Fluoride-free toothpaste
- Floss
