Babies’ teeth start to develop while they are still in the womb. Babies are born with an army of 20 teeth hiding under their gums. Baby dental care becomes a real challenge for mums, especially those with a first-born. It is important to get your baby used to a good brushing routine before the milk teeth start to erupt. While the teeth are still hidden, massage the gums with a soft cloth every now and then. Most babies develop their first teeth between 6 and 10 months. Oral health is particularly dependent on the care of the teeth during infancy and childhood, so it is important to take good care of their hygiene from an early age.
Brush your first teeth twice a day (morning and evening). It is important to choose the right brush. For quality dental hygiene for your little one from 6 months onwards, a soft-bristled toothbrush with a rounded tip is the best way to ensure good hygiene. This is the brush that will thoroughly clean every tooth that has already appeared! For babies up to 18 months, it is recommended to brush their teeth with a toothbrush moistened only with water.
For children over 18 months old, you can use a low-fluoride toothpaste to care for their teeth. In this case, apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush and gently but thoroughly clean the front and back of your teeth. Around the age of 2, your child is able to hold a toothbrush on his/her own, so let him/her start doing all these things on his/her own, with your supervision of course. Brushing isn’t everyone’s favourite procedure, but with the right tools and brushing method, you can make a difference! Do it together. Sit your little one on your lap and hold the brush and gently brush both sides of the teeth in a circular motion, as your little one is not yet able to do this well on his/her own. Don’t be afraid to let your child play with the toothbrush and encourage them to spit out the toothpaste after the procedure. It is especially important to help children under the age of 7 to brush their teeth thoroughly and to make sure they do it well.
Brushing your teeth from an early age will not only ensure good oral hygiene and good habits, but also reduce the risk of tooth decay. Make brushing your teeth a fun and playful experience!
