It is a no-brainer that an infant’s or toddler’s gums and teeth are vulnerable. It is recommended to use a washcloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean their teeth and gums, and there is a proper and effective way of doing so. If you aren’t still aware of this and you have an infant or a toddler, schedule a visit to your professional and trusted dentist in Caldwell, ID to seek advice about the right way of dental cleaning for infants and toddlers.
Proper Ways to Clean Your Infant’s and Toddler’s Teeth and Gums
Here are some guides and tips on how to properly and effectively clean your kids’ teeth and gums.
1. It is Not Recommended to use Toothbrush and Toothpaste in Cleaning Your Baby’s Gums
First and foremost, when cleaning your baby’s gums, unlike adults, it is not recommended to use a toothbrush and toothpaste. Instead, get a soft and moistened washcloth or a piece of gauze. After preparing this, gently wipe down your baby’s gums at least twice a day. Always make sure to clean your baby’s gums after feedings and before bedtime.
2. Use a Small and Soft Toothbrush to Clean Your Baby’s Teeth
When your baby’s teeth are starting to come in, this is the time that you can already use a small and soft brush to clean your child’s teeth. Make sure to place the head or the soft bristles of the toothbrush at an angle along a row of teeth and against the gum line. Then, gently brush your baby’s teeth in circular motions.
It is not advised to brush their teeth back and forth, as doing this can hurt the gums and teeth of your baby. See to it that you brush all sides of your child’s teeth.
3. Proper Use of Fluoride
The next tip to achieve successful and effective dental hygiene for your child in Caldwell, ID is the proper use of fluoride. When your baby has grown a set of teeth, they are now ready to use toothpaste in brushing their teeth. First, you would want to soak your child’s toothbrush in water for a few minutes to soften its bristles more. After that, put a little kid’s toothpaste on the brush in the amount of a grain of rice.
Remember that the amount of toothpaste can be increased to a pea-size when your child turns 3.
4. Brushing the Tongue
When cleaning or brushing your child’s teeth and gums, you should never forget to involve their tongues in the cleaning process. Gently slide the toothbrush on their tongues one at a time to clean and remove any build-up of dirt and cavities on the tongue area. Don’t forget to do this gently, as you can hurt and scratch your child’s tongue if done roughly.
5. Proper Brushing and Replacing Their Toothbrush
Finally, to achieve a proper and effective dental routine for your child, make sure to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Do this in the morning and at night, just before bed. You also need to make sure that you spend a whole two minutes brushing their teeth, concentrating a good portion of this time on the back molars.
This is because this is the area where cavities often first develop. Moreover, when replacing your child’s toothbrush, it is advised to do so every 3 or 4 months. You can also do this sooner if the toothbrush shows signs of wear. Lastly, do not let your child share their toothbrush with others.
Bottomline
Now that you know how to properly handle your child’s dental hygiene in Caldwell, ID while they do not yet have the means to do it themselves, make sure to follow these steps, guides, and tips to properly and effectively care for the dental health of your child. If you need further help and assistance, do not hesitate to call Caldwell Dentistry Co. at (208) 454-9217 or visit our clinic located at 1711 S 10th Ave. Caldwell, ID 83605.