Do I Need To Brush My Infants Teeth?


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The benefits of brushing your teeth cannot be underestimated. In contrast to previous generations, people are living much longer in the modern era. Along with that longer life comes more and more potential for bacteria and plaque to cause cavities and dental disease. Certainly an important part of being a parent is teaching your child or children good dental hygiene habits, and teaching them from a young age how to brush their teeth. By the age of 2 or 3 years old, most toddlers are capable of brushing their teeth (with parental supervision, of course.) Once your child is able to spit out the toothpaste after they are done, they are ready to learn to brush. By forming these habits early, you help to insure that, at a later age, they will maintain healthy dental habits.

Your infant, obviously, isn’t going to brush her own teeth. In addition, the fluoride that is contained within toothpaste can cause problems for an infant. When your baby is still an infant, during that time between when she is born and when she is able to spit, it is up to you to care for her teeth. Even prior to the time your infant’s first tooth comes in, you should run a damp washcloth over your infant’s gums, which will help to get rid of any of the harmful bacteria that may be there.

Once your infant’s teeth start coming in, you can brush your infant’s teeth. To do this, you will need to use a toothbrush that is especially made for an infant. Also, at this point, you will want to use just water, without any toothpaste, as you brush your infant’s teeth. Toothpaste at this point can sting your infant’s mouth, or it may cause him to gag. The brushing action itself should be enough, at this early stage, to remove the bacteria that cause tooth decay from your infant’s mouth. Brush gently, and for about one minute. There really is no more to brushing your infant’s teeth than that.



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