Why Do We Brush Babies’ Teeth If They Are Going To Fall Out?
It’s a chore many parents dread and many kids seem to hate. So why put yourself through all the hassle of brushing baby teeth if they’e just going to fall out? Creating healthy oral care habits while little ones are small is extremely important. In this article, we’ll address commonly asked questions by parents in regard to their children’s oral care.
When should parents begin brushing their baby’s teeth?
Brushing should begin with the appearance of the very first tooth. Gum care can begin as soon as you have your baby.
My baby doesn’t seem to like a regular toothbrush, what should I use?
Using a soft washcloth is enough to remove plaque from your babies teeth and gums. You will wet the washcloth and rub it along the gumline and can use an up and down motion on teeth that are small. There are also finger brushes made of soft silicone.
What are the risks if I just don’t brush their teeth?
Besides bad breath, they will be at great risk for dental decay (cavities). Leaving cavities untreated leads to inflammation not only in the mouth but in the entire body. Decayed baby teeth can also interfere with speech development and proper nutrition. Additionally, in some cases, permanent teeth are congenitally missing and adults maintain their baby teeth throughout their life.
When should I take my child to the dentist for their first visit?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents take their baby to the dentist at age 1 or after the first tooth erupts.
At what age are kids able to brush completely on their own?
Kids usually gain the proper dexterity to turn the toothbrush at correct angles by age 7-9. Until then, one can let the little ones brush and then an adult follow-up and brush to make sure the teeth have been cleaned adequately.
Extra tip: most kids will not brush the recommended 2 minutes. An electric toothbrush with a built-in timer such as the BURSTkids toothbrush is a great resource to combat this. You can purchase one here: https://www.burstoralcare.com/product/kids-toothbrush
Why place fillings on “baby teeth”?
Some primary teeth will remain in the child’s mouth until age 12. If cavities remain untreated, the child can be at risk for a serious infection leading to a root canal. Additionally, the infection can affect the permanent teeth that lie beneath the primary teeth.
The bottom line is your kids need you to teach them healthy habits. Toothbrushing for 2 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes at night can lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth.