When To Start Brushing Baby's Teeth?

Remember the rhyme that we were taught as kids? 'Brush up, brush down, brush round and round'. It still rings in our ears. However, do you remember at what age you started brushing your own teeth? I don't think many of us recall that fact from our past. So, when it comes to brushing your baby's teeth, we are always confused when is a good time to start. There are also many misconceptions about when to start brushing baby's teeth.

For example, some people have this belief that you need to brush baby's teeth only when he or she moves to eating solids. This is not really true. There are others who will tell you that you need to brush your baby's teeth only when he or she starts teething. It is better to go with the experts advice instead of searching in the dark like headless chickens.

Your baby's teeth and gum care should not be dependent on misconceptions and half-baked assumptions. After all, you have to lay the foundation of strong teeth for your baby and that is a massively important task. It is very crucial that you brush your baby's teeth at the right time and in the proper way.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you decide when you can start brushing your baby's teeth.

Teething Gums

There is nothing more soothing to teething gums than the prickly baby brush. Little baby brushes can be capped over your fingers. Use this kind of a brush to soothe your baby's gums before teething.

Before The Teeth Come

You can start brushing your baby's teeth even before the first teeth sprouts. Three months is a good time to start brushing once a day. Your baby salivates a lot during this time as the teething process begins from within the gums.

Twice A Day

Make it a habit to brush your baby's teeth early in the morning and just before he or she goes to bed. Only if you inculcate these habits in your child early on, they will retain them later in life.

Helps The Teething Process

Brushing actually helps your baby to start teething faster. Brushing erodes the gums and helps that first tiny teeth appear much sooner than you expected.

After Teething

After your baby's first teeth come, you should focus your brushing effort on the teeth and the crevices around it. But don't forget to clean your baby's gums as well.

Tongue Cleaning

It is not enough to clean your baby's teeth, you must also clean his or her tongue. Babies usually have a white tongue when they drink milk. This leads to all kinds of bacteria growth in the baby's mouth. Use glycerine to clean your baby's tongue.

Don't Over Do It

Don't rub your baby's nascent teeth and delicate gums very roughly. This can cause bruising and pain to your little one. Be gentle but firm while brushing your baby's teeth.