Although when they are older the problem is to convince them that it is good for them to brush their teeth, in these first moments, when they are still babies, we often have doubts. Therefore we will give some tips to know how to clean babies teeth.
When to start cleaning them?
One of the most frequent mistakes is to believe that until all the teeth do not come out, they should not be cleaned, but this is not the case.
From the appearance of the first teeth it is convenient to start dental hygiene habits. We must clean the first teeth and molars two or three times a day, or after each meal. We will use a cloth or gauze moistened with water to gently clean the teeth and gums.
In Babies and more Five keys to help your children take care of their teethBetween 12 and 18 months, you can start using a special toothbrush for children, small, with rounded edges so that they do not hurt themselves that they can handle promptly and under our supervision. We should not leave them alone, since they will not have enough coordination of movements to brush their teeth without help. But it is good that they become familiar with the brush.
You can also use one of those models that are inserted in the parents' finger for greater mobility. In any case, the brush must be soft, with flexible bristles, and you can brush your teeth and gums only with water or with a very small amount of paste, the size of a grain of rice.
And the toothpaste?
Gradually, after two years, we can introduce a small amount of pea-sized toothpaste. Between six months and two years, the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends brushing twice a day with a toothpaste with 500ppm of fluoride .
There is special toothpastes for children up to six years with less quantity than adult toothpastes. In any case we have to read the indications to verify that they specifically indicate that they are adapted for timely intake by the baby.
This is because babies and children, at first out of curiosity, but also because they do not know how to spit, they may swallow some small amount of paste (we will never put much in the brush), and a fluoride overdose can be dangerous.
It is a good idea for babies to see us brushing their teeth from an early age, because out of curiosity and imitation they will want to do the same, apart from the fact that they will consider tooth washing as a habitual act. The chants and small games in front of the mirror will also make it a fun routine and encourage you to brush your teeth more and more.
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Gradually, after 3 years of age, when they have learned the mechanism of brushing and spit out the cream, we can rely on their autonomy for tooth washing.
Later, or when the teeth and molars begin to be together, they can floss with our help, gently. Our dentist, whom we must have visited several times from the year of age, will advise us about the most appropriate way to perform this task and the most recommended dental floss marks.
In any case, let's not forget this last point, the periodic visits to the dentist, especially if we observe any abnormality in the exit of the teeth or in their hygiene, such as bleeding gums, appearance of decay, etc.
Meanwhile, until the little ones grow and can brush their teeth alone, we hope that these tips on how to clean the baby's teeth You have been useful.
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