When to brush your baby’s teeth (and how to do it)

According to the Brazilian Association of Dentistry, brushing a baby’s teeth should begin as soon as the first teeth begin to emerge, and it is recommended that a child’s own fluoride toothpaste be used to clean the baby’s mouth after meals and thus prevent the development of cavities.

In general, it is recommended that the baby’s teeth are brushed at least twice a day, and it is recommended to give preference to brushing at night, after the baby’s last meal, as this makes it possible to prevent the development of baby bottle tooth decay. See more about baby bottle tooth decay.

It is recommended that brushing be done with a brush suitable for the baby’s age, with soft bristles, and that movements be made lightly so as not to cause irritation to the gums and damage to the teeth. Furthermore, it is important to pay attention to the amount of paste placed on the brush, and it is recommended that an amount equivalent to the size of a grain of rice be placed on the toothbrush for babies under 3 years old, to prevent the child from swallowing the paste.

How to brush

Brushing a baby’s teeth should be done by an adult, and it is recommended that the baby’s head is supported, as this ensures comfort during brushing. Furthermore, the adult, with one hand, should move the baby’s lips and cheeks away, as this allows a better view of the oral cavity.

It is important to use a toothbrush suitable for the baby’s age and that has soft bristles to avoid hurting the baby’s gums. The brush should be changed every 3 to 4 months or when the bristles are worn out, as they can hurt the gums.

Brushing must be done with light movements and the amount of fluoride in the paste must be equal to or greater than 1000 ppm of fluoride, as this ensures the elimination of bacteria that may be in excess in the baby’s mouth. However, you need to pay attention to the amount of paste, as if too much paste is placed on the brush, the baby may swallow it. Thus, for babies up to 3 years old, it is recommended that an amount equivalent to a grain of rice be added, while for children over 3 years old, it can be equivalent to a pea.

When the baby is able to hold the brush alone and brush his teeth, parents should let him brush them, to get used to it, however, they should brush again at the end to ensure they are clean.

How often should you brush your teeth

Baby’s teeth should be brushed, preferably after meals. However, as it is not always possible to brush your teeth after every meal, it is recommended to brush them at least twice a day, the last time being before bed. Furthermore, the child should go to the dentist at least once a year to check that their teeth are growing correctly and that they are not developing cavities. Know when to take your baby to the dentist.