It's very exciting when the baby's teeth first emerge from their gums and smile at you with an adorable little bite. With gentle brushing and fun songs and games, you can make your baby's dental treatment a fun experience from the beginning as a parent. But you may be wondering about the essentials, such as when to start brushing, when to start using toothpaste and whether or not that toothpaste should contain fluoride. Fluoride is great for protecting your teeth from tooth decay, but when is it safe for your child? Here's what you need to know to safely introduce toothpaste to your child:
Baby's First Toothbrush
You can start practicing good oral hygiene habits even before your baby has teeth. When cleaning your baby's gums, use a soft-haired children's toothbrush, finger brush or even just a clean wash rag and lightly touch it. All you need to use at this stage is water. No toothpaste needed. Gently massage your gums to help your baby get used to the feel of the toothbrush in his mouth. Show your baby that brushing your teeth is a fun experience and not scary or frustrating.
What to do when your baby has a first tooth
As soon as the first precious little tooth passes through, the baby is ready for real brushing. Here's a checklist to get you started:
- Start with a fluoride-free baby toothpaste.
- Get a very soft bristles brush
- Brush twice a day
- Plan your first visit to the dentist
When choosing a fluoride toothpaste, use a rice-sized amount of toothpaste as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA).
How to Choose Your Baby's Toothpaste
When your child is ready to start using toothpaste, there are several options to consider. You can choose fluoride-free toothpaste designed for children under the age of two, and toothpaste that does not contain artificial colors, preservatives, or sodium lauryl sulfate. You can also use fluoridated toothpaste with a consistent application of rice-sized toothpaste.
Most toddlers don't like strong tastes-fresh mint toothpaste you might like may flinch your child. Taste your child's new toothpaste before putting it in your mouth.
When to use Fluoride Toothpaste
You can start using fluoride toothpaste immediately or wait until they are 2, it's up to you. Invite your child to start with a small amount of rice grain size and brush each time they spit. Children over the age of 3 years can use pea-sized amounts. It is important to allow your child to spit out toothpaste so that they do not ingest fluoride.
Dental fluorosis can occur when young children ingest excessive fluoride before the adult teeth erupt. This condition causes white or brown discoloration or stains on the enamel or tooth surface. Not all fluoride is the same. Look at the ingredients of your toothpaste and consider the fluoride differences. Stannous fluoride, for example, may cause tooth staining.
Discuss your child's dental treatment with your dentist or pediatrician to find the right time to switch your child to fluoride toothpaste.
