Oral hygiene is important, even for babies. Babies typically get their first tooth when they’re around 6 months old. If you’re a parent of a baby, one of your responsibilities is to ensure that your baby’s teeth are cleaned and maintained.
Your child’s pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO can help guide you in this process. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions asked by parents of babies and small children. If you have other questions, call Big Grins today to make an appointment and see the dentist to seek guidance.
Do Babies Need their Teeth to Be Brushed?
Yes, babies need their teeth to be brushed from the first tooth that erupts from the gums. In fact, you can even wash your baby’s gums before a tooth has even erupted. Cleaning your baby’s gums each day with a piece of gauze makes it easier to transition to cleaning your baby’s teeth, when there are teeth to clean.
How Do You Clean a Baby’s Tooth (or Teeth)?
To brush your baby’s teeth, you’ll need an infant toothbrush and fluoride-free training toothpaste. Smear a tiny amount of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) onto the head of a toothbrush, then use the toothbrush to brush your baby’s tooth (or teeth).
Do Babies Need Their Teeth Brushed Twice Daily?
Yes, you should brush your baby’s teeth twice each day, just as you would brush your own teeth twice each day.
When Should My Baby Visit the Dentist?
Bring your baby to visit the dentist when their first tooth erupts, or when they turn one year old, which ever comes first. Bringing your baby to the dentist will allow the dentist to check your baby’s teeth for abnormalities that could be a problem. Visiting the dentist at this young age could also help your baby get used to seeing the dentist, and will help set up your baby to have healthy teeth.
Bring your baby to Big Grins for a pediatric dental cleaning in Fort Collins, CO when the first tooth erupts from their gums, or when they turn one year old – whichever comes first. Call today to make an appointment.