How to Clean a Baby's Gums
Breast milk, formula and juices all contain sugars. The sugars nourish the normal bacteria that lives in your baby's mouth, forming acid. To keep your baby's mouth healthy, and help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease later in life, it is a good idea to get in the habit of cleaning your baby's gums before the first tooth appears.
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Instructions
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Lay your baby on your lap with his head close to your body. If it is easier for you, you can also lay your baby on a secure surface and stand next to him to clean his gums.
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Wet a wash cloth in cool water. Squeeze the excess water from the cloth, so the towel is damp, but not dripping wet.
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Wrap the wet wash cloth around your finger. Tickle the bottom lip of your baby's mouth to get her to open her mouth if she does not do so automatically.
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Gently rub your cloth-wrapped finger over your baby's gums. Start all the way on one end of the bottom gum and continue across until you reach the other end. Repeat the procedure for the top gum.
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Clean your baby's gums at least twice a day. Better yet, clean them after every feeding.
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Tips & Warnings
Cleaning your baby's gums also helps him to get used to the sensation, which makes tooth brushing easier later.
For good oral hygiene, it is not a good idea to put your baby to bed with a bottle. If she needs a bottle to help her relax and fall asleep, try giving her water in a bottle at bed time.
