When to start brushing my baby’s teeth?

As simple as the question is, the answer is not as easy as it may seem.  The Canadian Dental Association recommends starting brushing baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.  However, you can even start your baby’s dental hygiene before the apparition of its first canine: massaging their gums is a good way to help the growth of their teeth. It can be done using one finger and by gently applying child toothpaste. The goal is to wipe off all the part of the gums. It helps baby getting used to the taste and the sensation of cleanliness in their mouth.

An adult’s toothpaste is not a right choice for your baby because a child-friendly toothpaste should contain fluorine. The Canadian Dental Association also recommends using a small amount of toothpaste. You need to make sure that your child spits it out if they are brushing their teeth by themselves because an excessive swallowing of toothpaste could result in dental fluorosis.  

After the appearance of their first tooth, you can start using a toothbrush, but you need to choose it carefully! First, you need the right size of brush so it’s adapted to their mouth and because babies tend to grow fast, you will need to change it after 4 to 6 months. It is also important to check on the brush’s condition because if the bristles get bent down, it will not do a perfect job. 

            You also need to make sure to brush your baby’s teeth as much as you can but mainly right before bedtime. During sleep, the body doesn’t produce as much saliva as during the day creating a better environment for bacteria development. This is the reason why it is important that you teach your child that brushing their teeth must be the last thing they do before going to bed.

            Under the age of three, a child’s teeth should always be brushed by an adult and then their brushing should be supervised until they are around six years old. It is also better to make an appointment with a dentist at least once a year once your baby grows their first tooth. It is important to remember that getting your child used to brushing at a very young age establishes good dental habits that helps ensure a lifetime of dental health.