A few more tips for all the Mummies out there. And the Dads too, of course!
What should I use to brush my baby’s teeth?
While baby is still very young and only has one or two little baby teeth, a muslin type of cloth can be used to clean the teeth. The NHS recommends that brushing should begin as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears.
As they get older and a few more teeth start to appear, it is a good idea to buy them a nice toothbrush. I would advise the following when looking for a new toothbrush:
- A bright coloured toothbrush, themed if possible as this makes tooth brushing a fun activity.
- The toothbrush must have a small head so that it is easy to manoeuvre around baby’s mouth.
- Make sure the toothbrush has soft bristles so it is not too harsh on baby’s gums when brushing.
- A toothbrush with a chunky handle that is easy to grip can make brushing easier as your child develops their dexterity.
- Toothbrushes are made for different age groups, so check the label to make sure it is suitable for your child.
- Don’t forget to change the toothbrush after around 3 months, or sooner if the bristles become damaged.
You can find more guidance on choosing a toothbrush and looking after children’s teeth on the NHS website.
Are electric toothbrushes any good for children?
Electrical toothbrushes can be useful for children, but parents should continue to supervise brushing until their child is able to clean their teeth thoroughly on their own. Whether using a manual or powered toothbrush, the important thing is that every tooth surface and the gum line are cleaned effectively with fluoride toothpaste. You can read more about recommended oral hygiene and toothbrushing practices.
What is the best position for me to be in to brush my baby’s teeth?
I would advise getting into a position where you can comfortably see your baby’s teeth and control the toothbrush. Once they are old enough to hold the toothbrush, place it in their hand and use your hand to guide it over their teeth. The NHS also recommends guiding your child’s hand while brushing so they can become familiar with the correct movement.
How do I brush my baby’s teeth?
I always advise using a systematic routine approach for tooth brushing, for both adults and children. Pick your routine for brushing the teeth and stick with the same routine every time you brush your baby’s teeth. If you are based near Southampton, many dentists offer check-ups for kids.
Brush using small circular motions and make sure you clean all the surfaces of the teeth. You could start on the top right on the outside of the teeth and work your way around to the left. Then brush from the top left to the top right along the inside of the teeth. Follow this by brushing from the lower right to the lower left along the outside and then from the lower left to the lower right along the inside.
As baby gets older, tell them what you are doing as you brush. This helps them become familiar with the routine before they eventually start brushing more independently. Parents should still supervise young children and ensure they are brushing twice a day for around two minutes.
How do I avoid decay in my baby’s teeth?
- Brush regularly, twice a day, to help remove plaque from the teeth.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste containing an appropriate concentration of fluoride for your child’s age.
- Keep sugary foods and snacks to a minimum.
- Avoid sugary drinks, particularly in baby bottles.
- Speak to your dentist if you have any concerns about fluoride or your child’s risk of tooth decay.
For babies and children under three, current NHS advice recommends using a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride. Children aged three to six should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride. You can find detailed baby and toddler tooth care advice here.
Regular dental visits are also an important part of preventing problems before they become more serious. Read our advice about preventing childhood tooth decay and why routine children’s dental check-ups matter.
At Covent Garden Dental Spa, children can benefit from reduced-cost dental care when a parent is a Dental Spa member. Children up to the age of 16 can receive free routine check-ups after an initial consultation when a parent is a member, while children under 18 receive a 50% discount on treatment. See our Dental Spa membership and current dental fees for full details.