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Although, most people may not see teeth as an important member of the mouth, it is important to take proper care of your baby's teeth as a mother.
When babies are 6 months old or even before then, they'll most likely grow their first tooth. When they are two or three years old, they would have grown 20 teeth, these are called milk teeth.
Immediately your baby grows his very first tooth, start brushing your child's teeth, continue doing it, until they are about 8 and can take care of their teeth by themselves with your help.
Meanwhile, here are 5 tips to help you in taking proper care of your baby's teeth.
1. Choose the right toothbrush for your baby
Even when your baby has only one tooth, it’s time to start a good brushing routine day and night. At first, however it might be easier to use a washcloth instead of toothbrush because your baby’s gums may be sensitive. It is recommended to use just water at first instead of toothpaste to lower the risk of tooth decay. When you think your baby is ready for a real toothbrush, pick one with soft, round-ended bristles of differing lengths, and a small, angled head for easy brushing. Replace your baby’s toothbrush after three months, or sooner if the bristles have started to spread out.
2. How often should I clean my baby’s teeth?
As much as possible, brush your baby's teeth twice a day, once in the morning and at night before bed, after having their last feed. If you do this everyday, with time you would adjust and may even find it fun.
3. How do I brush my baby's teeth?
Apply water or a very thin dab of toothpaste (smaller than a groundnut seed) to the brush or cloth. Move the brush in small, gentle movements in a circle over the teeth, concentrating on where the tooth and gum meet. If you have used toothpaste, make sure your baby spits it out rather than rinse or swallow water.
4. What kind of toothpaste should I use?
Toothpastes that contain fluoride is recommended by dental experts as it helps in preventing tooth decay. Although, too much fluoride can be harmful to babies, make sure you check the instruction on the packet. Also, it is recommended that children under the age of three should only use toothpaste if they are t risk of having tooth decay, and this can be identified by your doctor or dentist. Children that are above three years old can use a toothpaste containing fluoride, and even then, a small size (groundnut size) of toothpaste should be applied to the toothbrush and used in brushing their teeth.
5. Protecting your baby’s teeth by avoiding sugar.
Sugar is the enemy when it comes to little baby teeth, especially if your child is consuming a lot of it! Foods such as sweets, flavoured milk, soft drinks and fruit juice are all high in sugar and should only be consumed on an “every now and then” basis. Remember, the main cause of tooth decay is not the amount of sugar in your baby’s diet, but how often it is eaten or drunk throughout the day.
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