As a new parent, there are many magical moments and milestones, but your child’s first tooth will always stand out.

With the arrival of teeth comes the arrival of new questions. How do I keep them clean? How do I avoid damaging the teeth in the process? What products do I need to use?

If you’re unsure how to keep your baby’s mouth as clean as possible or are worried about doing it, Enlighten is here to help.

Our dental specialist & CEO, Sanjay Patel tells you everything you need to know about nurturing your baby’s oral health at the critical stages.

When should you begin brushing baby teeth? 

Although it’s tempting to wait until your baby has their full set of teeth to start brushing them, oral hygiene should begin from birth.

It may sound strange (the idea of brushing teeth that aren’t even there) but there are ways that you can help keep your baby’s mouth fresh and bacteria-free — even before any teeth are visible.

How to brush your baby’s teeth

Different stages of your baby’s development require different treatments to avoid causing pain and discomfort to your little one.

Below, we outline what to do to benefit your baby’s oral health and set them up for a future of perfect smiles.

What to do before they have teeth

Before your baby even has teeth, you must get acquainted with cleaning their gums to remove any harmful bacteria that could cause issues during teething.

What to do — Simply use a clean, warm and wet cloth and gently massage their gums — this is all you have to do to help remove any bacteria. Be mindful that a baby’s mouth is delicate at this stage, so rub in gentle, circular motions. As an additional benefit, it gets babies used to regular brushing and cleaning as part of their routine in the future.

Your baby’s first teeth

As soon as you see any evidence of teeth poking through your baby’s gumline it’s time to act. It’s important to clean the teeth not only for their oral health but to establish it as part of the baby’s routine and help them get used to regular cleaning.

What to do — It’s recommended that you treat a baby’s teeth like you would your own by brushing two times a day with a small, soft-bristled finger brush. This is vital to prevent food or milk sitting in their mouth all night and growing bacteria. Although it may seem obvious, avoid flossing at this stage, as the baby’s teeth and gums are far too delicate for vigorous flossing.

You should also book your baby in to see a paediatric dentist to check everything is ok before the emergence of their first teeth or their first birthday — whichever is first.

12-18 months old

Assuming you have been brushing your child’s teeth regularly, once their full set of teeth is through, you can start to introduce delicate flossing into their routine.

What to do — Use children’s floss — that’s typically more delicate and better suited to sensitive gums — and gently remove some of the food from in between their teeth. At this age, you don’t have to focus so much on the front teeth — the focus should be on the back of the mouth where the molars are.

If you’re unsure of what’s best or how to do it, speak to your paediatric dentist to get professional tips and advice on the best approach.

Can babies use fluoride toothpaste?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe for babies to use fluoride toothpaste.

When a baby’s first teeth emerge, start with a pea-sized drop of children’s fluoride toothpaste and gently brush each tooth in circular motions.

At a young age, babies usually can’t spit. You can help them by gently wiping away any excess toothpaste in the mouth with a clean cloth.

Look after your teeth too

Your baby’s teeth are important to look after — but so are yours.

At Enlighten, we celebrate the individuality of every smile. You can browse our teeth-whitening treatment today! Keep your smile shining with our advanced toothpaste, expertly crafted to combat stains and prevent discolouration.

Want to learn more? Check out our guides for expert advice, the latest updates, and tips to keep your smile at its best.

FAQs

1. How can I brush my baby’s teeth when they refuse?

Make use of distractions.

If your baby kicks up a fuss when it’s time to brush, try to distract your baby with fun games and soft toys to make it a fun experience. Chances are — at least with a distraction — they may not pay notice to you brushing.

2. How to make brushing fun for toddlers?

When children are slightly older, try to make brushing their teeth a fun game and a learning experience. Taking turns brushing their teeth and letting them have a go can give them a sense of independence and responsibility rather than a chore.

3. How often should I see my paediatric dentist?

In a similar way that you would go to the dentist for a check-up once every six months, babies require the same. If that’s difficult, you should see your paediatric dentist no less than once a year.

› DIG DEEPER ‹

Learn more about the Enlighten Teeth Whitening System HERE.

And to find an Enlighten whitening expert near you, hit the link below. 

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Or if it’s mini smile makeovers you want to dig deeper into, then give it a click right HERE.

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