After the struggles of teething, here comes another challenge for mommys- Baby’s dental care or taking care of baby’s teeth. Teaching our kids of proper oral hygiene is of primary importance. Start this training as early as before their first tooth erupts so that they get used to it by the time the tooth arrives.
•Cleaning the Gums
As early as around 4 months, just before the baby’s teeth starts its grand entrance, gently wipe the baby’s gums with clean face towel or gauze. Doing this can help your baby in familiarizing and getting comfortable with the feeling of cleaning his mouth and getting ready of using real baby tooth brush.
•Introduce Toothbrushing
By the time his teeth are already out, continue cleaning his teeth with clean cloth, or if your baby is already ready to use tooth brush, use one with the soft brush for babies. For babies who are not yet around 18 months or above, you can use water instead of toothpaste. Make sure that you are also cleaning their gum lines along with their teeth.
For proper positioning, you can sit and let your baby lay his head on your lap. Lift his lips so you can wipe the front part of this mouth where the teeth has showed up. Don’t forget to include in cleaning the back part of his teeth as well. For brushing his teeth, you can let him sit or stand. Do this twice a day, everyday; in the morning and just before bedtime.
•Keep Everything Clean
Make sure that the toothbrush is always clean. After using it, rinse properly with tap water and store it upright to allow air-dry. Also, replace the toothbrush every 3 months especially when bristles are already worn out.
•Say No to too much sweets
To avoid early tooth decay, don’t let your child eat too much sweets. Do not allow him to sleep with dripping feeding bottle in his mouth as the milk would soak his teeth and might cause its decay as well. You can make him drink a little bit of water.
•Visit a Dentist
You can make your first visit to your pedia-dentist when your child is around 1 year old so that you will be advised properly of your kid’s oral health.
If your baby doesn’t like toothbrushing, you can let him watch videos of kids and cartoon characters having fun while toothbrushing, it will give them an idea that it is fun. You can also sing along to songs as you do it. Teaching our kids of proper oral hygiene is very important because these habits will be carried off even when they are already grown up. And because you helped him take care of his teeth, he will forever be thankful to you, not for the smiles you gave to him, but for the smiles you let him give to the world.
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