When Should I begin to Brush my baby's Teeth?

For more information on Nicklaus Children’s Hospital pediatric dental services visit:
www.nicklauschildrens.org/medical-services/dental-services
or to make an appointment call:
(786) 624-3368

When should I begin to brush my baby’s teeth?
As a new parent, one of the many questions you may have is when to start brushing your baby's teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you begin cleaning your baby's gums even before the first tooth appears.

To clean your infant’s gums, gently wipe the gums with a clean, damp washcloth or infant toothbrush. If your child is teething, consider refrigerating or freezing the damp washcloth for a few minutes. The cold temperature can soothe your baby’s sore gums.

Making the cleaning of your baby’s gums a part of your daily routine right from the start will help ensure that, by the time your baby’s first tooth comes in, you and your baby are both already accustomed to regular mouth cleanings.
Once the first tooth appears, around six months, it's important to start brushing it with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day, in the morning and before bed . As your baby gets older, you can start using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Brushing a young child’s teeth isn’t always easy, but it is essential to establish, and maintain, a good oral healthcare routine to keep your child’s mouth healthy and prevent potentially serious infections.
It's also important to supervise your child's brushing until they are at least six years old to ensure they are brushing correctly and for the recommended two minutes.Starting good oral hygiene habits early will set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums!

For any additional concerns, contact your pediatric dentist and make sure to schedule their first dental appointment by the time they turn one.

We are always here to help!

The Pediatric Dental Program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive dental services for children of all ages from infants up to age 21. Our pediatric dentistry facilities are designed to meet the unique needs of healthy infants, children and adolescents and to address the special needs of patients with complex medical and dental issues.

#whenshouldibegintobrushmybabysteeth, #pediatricdentistry, #childrensdentalhealth, #babysteeth, #pediatrichealth