Baby dental care is an important start to a lifetime of good oral health. Even before your baby brings out their first tooth, it is important to begin good dental care from an early age.
The following are useful tips to guarantee that your baby will have an healthy smile even before the first set of tooth come out.
Tip 1: Get into the habit of wiping their gums with cotton wool or a soft wet washcloth during bath time
Getting your baby used to having his mouth cleaned as part of their daily routine should make it easier to transition into tooth brushing later on. So while a baby is still so young, you need not worry about using any toothpaste just yet. A simple wipe down of the gums is sufficient enough as the bacteria in the mouth usually can’t harm the gums before the teeth emerge.
Tip 2: Invest in a baby/infant toothbrush and toothpaste once teeth start cutting through
You will want to look for a baby toothbrush with a small head and grip suitable for your hand. Many supermarkets and stores in Nigeria stock baby toothbrushes and toothpastes. When brushing make sure you use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) and gently brush on the inside and outside of each of your baby’s teeth, and if they’ll let you, try to brush the tongue as well. There is no need to rinse your baby's mouth because you’re using such a small amount of toothpaste. Try to do this twice a day if possible.
Tip 3: You should brush your baby's teeth until he or she is old enough to hold the brush
Continue to supervise the brushing process until your child can rinse and spit without assistance. That usually happens at around age 6.
Tip 4: Avoid spreading bacteria
Don't share utensils, cups, or toothbrushes, since that might help spread the bacteria that can cause cavities from your mouth to your baby's mouth
Tip 5: Be proactive about tooth decay
Don't let your baby fall asleep with a bottle of formula in his mouth at night once he has teeth. Keep on the lookout for any signs of baby tooth decay - brown or white spots or pits on the teeth. If you or your pediatrician notices any problems, take your child to a dentist for an exam. They will be able to give you advice and tips, or just reassurance that you`re managing to keep the teeth clean.
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