Babies rely on their parents for every aspect of their well-being, which includes taking care of their oral health. Many parents know how to feed, change, and clothe their child, but they are less certain when it comes to dental care techniques. The dentists with Anchorage Dental Center, a locally owned dental clinic in Alaska, want to clear up the confusion by educating parents on the right tools to use for safe and effective cleaning.

When Teeth Are Breaking Through

You should actually begin cleaning your child’s gums before any teeth break the surface. Use a warm, moist washcloth to gently wipe the gums from back to front to remove any bacteria or lingering milk particles. Many stores carry a thimble-like, rubber tool that you can purchase to ensure gentle cleaning.

As teeth begin to appear, add an infant toothbrush that’s easy for you to hold but small enough to fit in your child’s mouth. You can continue cleaning exposed gums with a warm cloth. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride drops at this stage. This liquid strengthens enamel to promote the development of a strong and healthy smile.

When Teeth Are in Place

Once your child has a mouth full of baby teeth, which typically happens around age two, it’s time to introduce a new teeth cleaning routine. You’ll want to place a very small amount of toothpaste onto a toothbrush that’s easy for your child to hold under your supervision. Choose a brush that has soft bristles to avoid irritating young, sensitive gums. Guide them through the appropriate back and forth brush strokes on each section of the mouth before having them rinse thoroughly.

Dentists don’t advise using mouthwash at this stage of your baby’s oral care because there’s a risk of swallowing the potentially harmful substance. However, you may slowly introduce flossing, so your child becomes familiar with the process. Most parents accomplish this by modeling the behavior from an early age.

Early dental care simply involves a warm cloth and water before transitioning to your baby’s first toothbrush. Administering this care from infancy protects their oral health and sets the stage for the development of positive dental habits. Once your child is ready to make their first dentist office visit, trust the team at Anchorage Dental Center with their smile. Schedule an appointment for any member of your family by calling (907) 278-2521 or reach out online for more information.