Brushing baby teeth : how to ensure your child's dental health?
How to brush baby's teeth? An essential question as a parent, given the importance of maintaining healthy oral hygiene in your child. To answer this, many parameters must be taken into account: baby's teeth are not brushed in the same way depending on his age, and major habits must be adopted for his dental health. We give you all the necessary information in this article.
Baby teeth care : a priority for his health
Brushing baby's teeth: why is it so important?
Brushing your teeth is essential, that we either child or adult. Thus, it is a habit that must be adopted from birth: teaching your baby to brush his teeth is a must, since his dental health is essential to his good development. In order for babies to speak, eat and chew the food they need to build well, they absolutely must have healthy teeth and gums. Therefore, even before the appearance of the first teeth, it is necessary to accustom baby by washing his mouth regularly.
Brushing baby's teeth: what are good habits to adopt?
In order to avoid any risk concerning the health of baby's teeth, it is important to take into account the risk factors that can increase the appearance of caries or any other dental problem. For that, here are our tips:
- Make an appointment with the dentist at least once a year from baby's 18 months;
- Avoid giving him too many sweetened bottles of milk or juice;
- Do not use the same spoon to taste his meal and make him eat;
- Watch what baby puts in his mouth to prevent him from ingesting bacteria;
- Ensure a balanced diet to baby;
- Perform tooth brushing every day.
Brushing baby's teeth: with which toothbrush and which toothpaste?
In order for baby's teeth to be brushed as well as possible, it is important to choose the right toothpaste and toothbrush.
Choosing the right baby toothbrush
Before baby is one year old, no need to incorporate a toothbrush to the brushing ritual: a simple cleaning with a damp compress will suffice.
It is while growing up that brushing your teeth will really take place, generally from the age of one, with a small toothbrush with soft bristles : his gums are still sensitive, it is important to choose an all-purpose brush, which will clean the baby's mouth gently, without hurting him. Obviously, it will be necessary to change the baby's toothbrush regularly for optimal hygiene.
Choose the right baby toothpaste
Before they are 2 years old, it is advisable to brush babies' teeth simply with water according to the French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD). Once your child is between 2 and 3 years old, toothpaste can be integrated into his toothbrushing ritual. Above all, you must opt for a toothpaste with a pleasant and non-aggressive taste.
If in doubt, do not hesitate to ask your pediatrician for advice.
The most important parameter to take into account will be the amount of fluoride present in the toothpaste you use for your child, which plays a decisive role in theprevention and reduction of cavities and strengthening of enamel.
- Between 2 and 3 years, a toothpaste with a concentration of fluoride less than or equal to 500 parts per million (ppm) is recommended.
- A baby three years old, opt for a fluoridated toothpaste at 500 ppm.
- Once your baby is 6 years old, you can choose a fluoridated toothpaste between 1,000 and 1,500 ppm.
The process of brushing teeth from birth to 6 years old
Ensuring baby's oral hygiene from birth
From birth baby, it is important to ensure his hygiene after drinking: to remove bacterial plaque, gently clean your gums and mouth with a compress or damp cloth.
Baby's first teeth: the rules of brushing
When the baby's first teeth break through the gums, brush their teeth twice a day, evening brushing being particularly important. Always make sure that brushing is done gently so as not to bleed your child's gums.
Be careful to clean all the baby's mouth areas with the appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste, to remove dental plaque and minimize the risk of cavities.
For hygienic reasons, it is also essential to leave the toothbrush out in the open air after use, and in a separate pot; that of the older toothbrushes.
What to do when your child is old enough to brush their teeth alone?
As your child grows, he will acquire more independence in his actions and gestures, and brushing his teeth is inevitably part of this. From the age of 5-6, it will then be necessary to accompany and guide him to show him the steps to adopt so that he has oral health optimal.
And to make brushing your teeth less daunting, don't hesitate to make this activity fun for your child by buying them a colored toothbrush or quality toothpaste at the attractive packaging.