Summary
Introduction
Taking care of your baby's teeth starts long before they come out. Good oral hygiene from a young age helps prevent cavities and establishes a routine for future dental health. But when should you start? Should we use toothpaste? Which brush is most suitable? So many questions that many parents ask themselves. In this article, we will guide you step by step towards effective brushing adapted to your little one.
Fortunately, dental professionals offer solutions that can help curb this situation. 😉 Find the steps to take to remedy the problem of receding gums.
At what age should you start brushing your baby's teeth?
Taking care of your baby's teeth starts long before they appear. Proper oral hygiene from an early age helps prevent cavities and establish a healthy routine that will accompany the child throughout their life. So, from what age should you brush your baby's teeth with toothpaste?
Before the first teeth appear
The sooner you do it, the more accustomed he will be to treating this step as a ritual, which will make the transition to brushing easier afterwards. Beyond the gestures, it prevents bacteria from starting to form in the mouth from birth .
👉 So, how to do it?
After each meal (or at least once a day), gently pass a clean gauze or damp cloth over your baby's gums . You can also use a specially designed silicone finger cot to massage it and remove milk residue.
After the appearance of the first tooth
It usually appears around 6 months, although every baby is unique, so it can vary. As soon as it forms, it's time to start brushing it! Yes, even a single tooth can be vulnerable to cavities .
👉 How to do it?
Choose a toothbrush specially designed for babies, and gently brush the tooth morning and evening, without forgetting the gum and tongue . At first, simple brushing with water is enough, but toothpaste quickly becomes a valuable ally. This is where the issue of fluoride comes into play .
Fluoride dosage according to age
Fluoride is crucial to keeping your little one's teeth healthy, but it should be used in the appropriate amount for their age.
From 0 to 2 years : a very small quantity of fluoridated toothpaste (approximately the equivalent of a grain of rice) is recommended as soon as the first tooth appears.
From 2 to 6 years : gradually increase the quantity until it reaches the size of a pea.
⚠️ Beware of the risk of fluorosis ! If your child swallows too much fluoride, it can cause small white spots on their permanent teeth. This is why it is important to respect the recommended doses and choose a toothpaste that is appropriate for your age.
We advise you to consult this detailed sheet from the UFSBD on the use of fluoridated toothpastes according to the age of the child.
How to choose the right baby toothbrush?
Choosing the right toothbrush for your baby is essential so that brushing is both effective and pleasant . A brush that is not suitable could irritate his gums and discourage him. Here are the things to consider:
A small, rounded head to fit baby's mouth and prevent injuries.
Very soft bristles for gentle brushing that does not irritate the gums.
An ergonomic, non-slip handle , easy to handle for baby and parents.
An attractive design so that he enjoys brushing his teeth.
We also often ask ourselves the question: manual or electric brush for our child? Before the age of 3, it is better to use a manual brush to learn the correct actions. The electric brush can be introduced later, under your supervision.
Which toothpaste to choose for baby?
Toothpaste is essential for keeping baby's first teeth free from cavities. But when to start and how to choose the right one? We take stock.
At what age should you start using baby toothpaste?
From the first tooth, we advise you to use a toothpaste with fluoride specially designed for children . It helps strengthen enamel and protect teeth from acid attacks that cause cavities. However, it must be correctly dosed!
And when we know that 11% of children aged 5 to 6 years old ( ARS Santé article from July 2024 ) have at least one untreated decayed tooth, that makes you want to be diligent even more!
Choosing a suitable toothpaste
Not all toothpastes are suitable for babies. Here are the criteria to consider:
Opt for a toothpaste designed especially for little ones (“0-3 years” or “first teeth”).
Make sure it has an appropriate fluoride level (we talked about this above).
Avoid ingredients that are too aggressive , such as sulfate, alcohol or strong flavors.
Choose a pleasant taste to encourage your child to better accept brushing.
And above all, avoid toothpastes for adults , which are too concentrated in fluoride and often too mentholated for our little ones.
Think about the taste!
The taste of toothpaste is not trivial since it is what will make your child want to brush their teeth or not. Brands offer mild flavors like:
Strawberry , the star of children's toothpastes,
Apple and its light and natural flavor
Banana , perfect to start
💡 Tip : if your baby refuses his toothpaste, try another flavor to discover the one he loves. With the right toothpaste, he will be more easily cooperative.
How to properly brush your baby's teeth?
Adopting an effective brushing technique is crucial to ensure optimal oral hygiene from an early age.
Brushing technique according to age
🍼 Before 1 year : a light pass with an appropriate toothbrush or a silicone finger cot is sufficient.
👧 From 1 to 3 years : brush gently using small circles on all teeth.
🧒 From 3 years old : The child starts to hold his brush on his own, but it's good to keep an eye and help him a little.
💡 Tip : Turn brushing into a fun moment! Singing a nursery rhyme or brushing your teeth together makes the experience more pleasant.
How long should you brush a baby's teeth?
2 minutes is the recommended time for brushing children, this morning and evening. At first, it may not last long, but that's not a big deal, the important thing is to get it used to it gradually. Start with about thirty seconds, then gradually increase. Using an hourglass can be a good idea to help her stay on time .
How often should a baby's teeth be brushed?
It's simple, twice a day, morning and evening, as soon as the first tooth appears! This is the ideal pace, which you can adapt to all ages. After 2 years, the frequency is therefore the same, but you can take a little more time.
💡 Tip : Avoid letting your child fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice, as this can lead to early cavities!
What is the correct toothbrushing technique for babies?
Brushing little ones requires delicacy:
Make circular movements on each tooth.
Don't forget to clean the gum and tongue , where bacteria can hide.
Apply a small amount of age-appropriate fluoridated toothpaste .
How do I hold my baby while brushing his teeth?
While brushing is a pleasant ritual for some children, it can be a stressful time for others. So if your little one is in the second category, and moves around a lot, here are some positions that can help:
Lying on your lap : ideal for toddlers, like at the dentist.
In front of a mirror : he can see what you are doing and finds it amusing!
Sitting on you, slightly leaning : a good compromise for optimal control.
Talk to him gently and reassure him so he feels safe.
Baby's first toothbrushing: how to succeed?
Your baby is growing and so are his teeth, it's time to give him his new toothbrush. The first brushing should be and remain a pleasant experience, here are some tips so that he accepts it without difficulty:
Lead by example : brush your teeth in front of him, he will no doubt want to imitate you!
Let him explore the brush and have fun with it.
Turn brushing into a game with a song or story that he likes.
My baby refuses to brush his teeth: what should I do?
It's completely normal for toddlers to be reluctant to brush their teeth. Although this step is crucial for their oral health, if they stubbornly refuse, don't worry! Adopt all the tips we just mentioned, try at different times of the day, and above all, don't try too hard. The idea is not to transform this ritual into an unpleasant experience for everyone.
With a little patience and a good dose of imagination, your child will eventually integrate brushing into their morning and evening routine. 🙌
When to go to the dentist for the first time?
The first visit to the dentist is a great moment for children and parents. This appointment is important to monitor the proper development of their teeth , and also their good dental health .
As recommended by dentists and the UFSBD , this visit must take place within six months of the appearance of the first tooth , and at the latest before the child's first birthday. This preventive consultation allows you to:
Check that the teeth and gums are growing well.
Identify possible problems, such as small cavities or misaligned teeth.
Give parents advice on dental hygiene that is appropriate for the child.
Do not hesitate to consult quickly if you see stains on the teeth or if baby seems to be in pain. Then, an annual visit is generally sufficient, unless there is a problem.
Conclusion: key information on brushing babies' teeth
So, to summarize:
1) Start brushing your child's teeth as soon as their first tooth appears , use an appropriate brush and a toothpaste containing fluoride.
2) Follow the right rhythm : twice a day, for two minutes, is perfect.
3) Choose a fluoridated toothpaste : adapt the quantities according to age.
4) Motivate your child : play, sing, use a fun brush to make brushing enjoyable.
5) Plan a first visit to the dentist around the age of one for preventive follow-up.
With these good habits, your child will grow up with healthy teeth. And always, in case of doubt or questions, consult your dentist, he will always be in the best position!
