If you're worried about the taste of fluoride, try mixing it with some breast milk or formula and let your baby suck on that for a few seconds before rinsing off their gums with water.
Always supervise brushing until your child is old enough to rinse and spit without spilling water everywhere. Once they are old enough to brush properly on their own, make sure they do so twice daily for 2 minutes each time.
When Should You Start Brushing Baby Teeth With Toothpaste?
Generally, most dentists recommend starting tooth brushing with a small amount of toothpaste on a pea-sized dollop as early as six months old.
However, it is always best to consult your pediatrician or dentist for their professional opinion before beginning any tooth brushing regimen.
Some parents may want to use toothpaste on their babies as soon as they begin teething, while others may wait until their child is a little older. Ultimately, it's up to each parent to decide when they feel their baby is ready for toothpaste brushing.
You should brush baby teeth with toothpaste as soon as they start teething. This will help to prevent decay and plaque buildup on the teeth. It is also important to ensure that you are using fluoride toothpaste, as this can help to protect the teeth against cavities.
ADA Recommendations
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends tooth brushing at around six months old. Still, some pediatric dentists say that waiting until your child is 12 months old gives them time to establish good oral hygiene habits.
What If My Child Doesn't Seem Enjoying Brushing?
If your child can’t hold their toothbrush comfortably or doesn’t seem to be enjoying the process, don’t force them. Instead, consult a pediatric dentist who can help develop a customized plan for your child.
How Much Toothpaste Can Be Used On Baby's Brush?
Regardless of when you start brushing your baby’s teeth, always use a pea-sized amount and make sure to brush every surface of their teeth. Don’t put toothpaste in their mouth or let them swallow it.
What To Consider Before Choosing Tooth Paste For Your Child?
Toothpaste is a common household item, but knowing which brands are best for children can be hard. Some toothpaste is specifically designed for children, while others may be safe for adults or both. To find the right toothpaste for your child, consider their age and health condition.
If your child is under two years old, they should not use toothpaste. This is because their teeth haven’t fully developed, and toothpaste can irritate their gums.
Which Tooth Paste Use For 2 Years Old?
If your child is two years or older, they should use fluoride toothpaste that contains 0.02% or less sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS can cause irritation and even cavities in young children’s teeth.
Can Children Swallow Tooth Paste?
Other fluoride toothpaste also contains other ingredients that may be harmful if swallowed, such as polysorbates 20 and 60. If you're unsure which fluoride toothpaste is safest for your child, ask their doctor or pediatric dentist.
When Can Formulated Tooth Paste Use?
If your child has any dental issues, such as braces or Decay, they should use a specially formulated toothpaste called an anti- decay toothpaste. These kinds of toothpaste contain ingredients that help prevent decay by fighting off bacteria and promoting mineralization in the teeth. Anti-decay toothpaste also comes in flavors such as strawberry banana and bubble gum, making them more appealing to children.
What If Your Baby Doesn't Like Toothpaste?
If your baby doesn't like toothpaste, don't be discouraged! There are a few other ways to clean their teeth. Here are 3 ideas:
- Use a water and salt solution: Fill a pitcher with water and add 1 teaspoon salt. Stir until the salt is dissolved. Dip a washcloth in the solution and wring out the excess. Rub the washcloth around your baby's gum line and teeth, then rinse.
- Make a paste with baking soda and water: Combine 1/4 cup of baking soda and enough cold water to make a thick paste. Rub it all over your baby's teeth and gums, then rinse.
- Try using apple cider vinegar: Wet your fingers and lightly brush your baby's teeth and gums with apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water. Rinse off well.
Conclusion
When it comes to brushing your baby's teeth, there is no one right answer. It depends on the toothpaste and what ingredients are in it.
Some toothpaste has fluoride, which is great for preventing cavities, while others don't have fluoride but still contain other chemicals that can harm the development of a baby's tooth enamel.
Ultimately, you want to find a toothpaste with only natural ingredients and nothing that could harm your child's oral health or dental future. Ask your pediatrician or dentist if you're unsure which toothpaste is best for your baby.
