Techniques for Cleaning Baby's Teeth

Cleaning Your Baby's Teeth

Teeth cleaned thoroughly every day have little chance of developing tooth decay. It is therefore important to begin brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they come in. Here are a few tips that will make tooth cleaning enjoyable for your child and easy for you to do!

1. Soon after birth, the baby's gums can be massaged and wiped clean with a warm, wet cloth wrapped around your finger. This will allow you and the baby to get accustomed to this as a daily habit.

2. As soon as the first teeth come in, a small, soft toothbrush is used to gently massage the teeth with a short , vibratory stroke. This is much more effective than a washcloth at cleaning the vulnerable "gum line" areas of the teeth to prevent a cavity from getting started. At first use a wet toothbrush only; toothpaste can be used when the child is older (18 months), but only a pea-sized amount.

3. It is best to sit on the sofa or floor and cradle the child's head in your lap. We try to keep a toothbrush near our baby's changing area, and he enjoys this part of his daily routine.

4. Angle the brush 45 degrees into the baby's teeth, so that the adjacent gum tissue is also cleaned. Clean all visible surfaces with 5 to 10 strokes. Be sure to clean the tongue and palate side of the teeth.

5. Use your middle or index finger to prop the mouth open. Place the finger on the side of the mouth between the gums. The thumb can be used to push the lip away from the upper and lower front teeth. The teeth should be brushed in this manner at least once per day. Flossing is unnecessary in infants, but is very important when the teeth start to contact each other.

Brushing your baby's teeth takes only two minutes a day. When done carefully, you can be assured that a cavity will not develop. Your baby will (hopefully!) look forward to the daily cleaning sessions!

(Article by Dr. Tim Adams published in Cherry Creek Pediatrics parent newsletter by Dr. Jodie Mathe)




				Cleaning Your Baby's Teeth Teeth cleaned thoroughly every day have little chance of developing tooth decay. It is therefore important to begin brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they come in. Here are a few tips that will make tooth cleaning enjoyable for your child and easy for you to do! 1. Soon after birth, the baby's gums can be massaged and wiped clean with a warm, wet cloth wrapped around your finger. This will allow you and the baby to get accustomed to this as a daily habit. 2. As soon as the first teeth come in, a small, soft toothbrush is used to gently massage the teeth with a short , vibratory stroke. This is much more effective than a washcloth at cleaning the vulnerable "gum line" areas of the teeth to prevent a cavity from getting started. At first use a wet toothbrush only; toothpaste can be used when the child is older (18 months), but only a pea-sized amount. 3. It is best to sit on the sofa or floor and cradle the child's head in your lap. We try to keep a toothbrush near our baby's changing area, and he enjoys this part of his daily routine. 4. Angle the brush 45 degrees into the baby's teeth, so that the adjacent gum tissue is also cleaned. Clean all visible surfaces with 5 to 10 strokes. Be sure to clean the tongue and palate side of the teeth. 5. Use your middle or index finger to prop the mouth open. Place the finger on the side of the mouth between the gums. The thumb can be used to push the lip away from the upper and lower front teeth. The teeth should be brushed in this manner at least once per day. Flossing is unnecessary in infants, but is very important when the teeth start to contact each other. Brushing your baby's teeth takes only two minutes a day. When done carefully, you can be assured that a cavity will not develop. Your baby will (hopefully!) look forward to the daily cleaning sessions! (Article by Dr. Tim Adams published in Cherry Creek Pediatrics parent newsletter by Dr. Jodie Mathe)