How to Brush a babies Teeth

Even though your baby's teeth will fall out, dental hygiene is still crucial. Your baby needs them to bite, chew and talk properly and they also serve as "placeholders" for permanent teeth. Tooth decay or the premature loss of the baby's teeth can potentially cause orthodontic problems later on in life. It is important to set up a daily routine to take care of your baby's teeth.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby toothbrush or gauze
• <br>Baby toothpaste (optional)

1. Choose an appropriate toothbrush. You can use a soft finger brush when your baby is under a year old. Alternatively, just wrap a piece of clean gauze around your finger to brush your baby's teeth. For an older baby choose a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. Ideally, the front bristles should be longer than those at the back, to better clean hard to reach places in the back of your baby's mouth.

2. Sit down with your baby in your lap, facing you. You can also sit or stand behind your baby and have her looking up at you. Another comfortable, convenient position is to sit your baby on the countertop facing the bathroom mirror and stand behind him. You may cradle an older child to one side in your arms.

3. Wet your baby's brush or gauze-wrapped finger. At this age you do not need toothpaste. If you choose to use it, apply a very small dab. It is best to use toothpaste only after your child can spit it out, usually around the age of three.

4. Scrub your baby's teeth and gums gently, with short back and forth strokes. You may let your child hold the brush with you as you brush, to encourage his cooperation. Begin with the front teeth the first few times you brush your baby's teeth. Many young children resist having their back teeth brushed because they are afraid of chocking.

5. Brush your baby's tongue as well, because it carries almost as many germs and bacteria as do her teeth and gums.

6. Make brushing your baby's teeth a routine, brushing at least twice a day.

Tips & Warnings

• Even before your baby's teeth come in, rub her gums with a gauze-wrapped finger. This will help get your baby in the habit of having its teeth cleaned when they do come in. It will also help alleviate the discomfort of teething.
• <br>If you use toothpaste, choose one that is specifically for young children. This toothpaste is typically manufactured with a kid-pleasing flavor and no fluoride. Fluoride used in excess can be harmful to your baby's teeth.