Brushing baby's teeth: when to start and how to do it right?
As soon as the first teeth appear, many parents have questions about brushing their baby's teeth. Even though baby teeth are temporary, it is essential to take care of them because they play an important role in oral health and the proper development of permanent teeth. In this article, we answer the main questions parents have: at what age should you start brushing teeth, is it really necessary to brush baby teeth, and, most importantly, how should you do it and with what toothpaste.
At what age should you start brushing a baby's teeth?
From the moment the first tooth breaks through (usually around 6 months), teeth brushing should begin to create a natural routine for the baby. By taking into account the sensitivity of the gums and using a suitable toothbrush, parents can gradually get the baby used to brushing their teeth.
Up to the age of 18 months, it is recommended to brush teeth once a day. Then, twice a day, starting at age 2.
But is it necessary to brush baby teeth if they are going to fall out anyway?
Having healthy teeth from an early age promotes a child's proper development and contributes to their future oral health. In fact, baby teeth are half as resistant as permanent teeth, which makes them particularly susceptible to cavities. These can be very painful and lead to recurring ENT infections. In some cases, the affected teeth must even be extracted under general anesthesia in young children.
Even though they are temporary and eventually fall out, baby teeth play an essential role: when they are decayed or damaged, they can disrupt the proper eruption and alignment of permanent teeth.
To preserve a healthy set of teeth into adulthood, it is therefore essential to take care of baby teeth from childhood.
So, how should you brush a baby's teeth? What toothpaste should be used for a baby?
How you brush teeth depends on age; you must adopt the right method for your baby's stage.
6 months to 1 year: the arrival of the first teeth
As explained above, brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth appears.
Two options are possible: you can clean your baby's teeth with a simple lukewarm compress, gently rubbing it over the teeth and gums to remove food residue, or you can use a special baby toothbrush suitable for their age (you should ask your pediatrician or dentist for advice). Otherwise, brush your child's teeth very gently using a suitable toothbrush and a special baby fluoride toothpaste. The recommended amount of toothpaste is the size of a grain of rice, up until the age of 2. Use gentle, circular motions.
Brushing teeth at this age is recommended once a day, ideally in the evening.
It is important to respect this dosage, because at this age, children do not yet know how to spit out toothpaste and swallow some of it. Excess fluoride could lead to the appearance of white spots on the teeth, known as fluorosis.
Baby is over 1 year old
Choose a toothbrush (with very soft bristles) suitable for their age, dampen the toothbrush, and put a little toothpaste on the head of the brush (as mentioned previously, the dose of toothpaste should not exceed the size of a grain of rice). Brush all parts of the tooth (on the visible and non-visible side) using small, always gentle, circular motions.
Normally, at this age, brushing a baby's teeth should last about two minutes and be done twice a day, morning and evening.
If the baby does not yet know how to spit out the toothpaste, that is fine. This is precisely why it is important to choose a toothpaste suitable for their age. Thanks to its low fluoride content, when used in very small quantities, it poses no risk to the child's health.
2 to 3 years: the parent can introduce the baby to brushing teeth
It is recommended that parents brush their child's teeth until the age of 3. However, the child can already start to imitate their parents and try to brush their own teeth. In this case, you can let them do it, but it is important for the parent to take over the brushing, especially in the evening, to ensure that the teeth are cleaned properly.
The idea is therefore to let the child practice, then finish the brushing yourself to ensure good oral hygiene.
The amount of toothpaste should not exceed the size of a pea, and brushing should be performed twice a day, morning and evening.
At what age should a baby go to the dentist for the first time?
The first visit to the dentist can be scheduled around the child's 1st birthday, but can be done no later than the age of 3 (i.e., when all baby teeth are in place).
This first visit allows the child to become familiar with the dentist's office environment and the world of oral hygiene. During this consultation, the dentist examines the child's teeth and gums to verify that they are healthy and to detect the possible presence of cavities.
They also take the opportunity to give parents practical advice on the right habits to adopt for brushing teeth and to accompany the child in learning good oral hygiene.
In the absence of any particular risk, an annual dental check-up is generally sufficient to ensure good monitoring.
In conclusion, good habits from the first teeth help prevent cavities and protect the child's future teeth.
To complete your baby's hygiene routine, also discover our advice on choosing a cleansing gel suitable for their skin.
Here are 5 mistakes to avoid regarding baby's teeth
- Waiting for several teeth before starting brushing! It must start with the first tooth to prevent cavities.
- Using too much toothpaste! Before age 2, the amount should be the size of a grain of rice. Too much fluoride can cause spots on the teeth.
- Letting the baby fall asleep with a sugary bottle! Sugary milk, juice, or sweetened drinks can promote baby bottle tooth decay.
- Letting the child brush their teeth alone too early! Before 6–7 years old, children do not have sufficient dexterity. Parents must finish the brushing.
- Neglecting visits to the dentist! The first consultation is recommended before 1 year old or as soon as the first tooth appears, then once a year.
