How Many Times Do You Need to Brush Your Baby’s Teeth With a Finger Toothbrush?

Updated on 3 November 2023

Your baby has probably started its teething stage. At this stage, it can turn out to be quite crucial for you to acquire a lot of knowledge about good dental hygiene. Thus, this can eventually help your baby in numerous ways.

The moment your baby starts growing their teeth significantly above the gum lining, consider using a finger toothbrush at least two times a day. In fact, you may want to brush your baby’s teeth right before they go to bed or after their last meal!

How Important Is It To Brush Your Baby’s Milk Teeth?

If you are wondering about the importance of brushing milk teeth that are soon going to be replaced by permanent ones, then it may be crucial for you to know that establishing good oral hygiene at an early stage can come in handy later on. As your baby learns the importance of good oral hygiene at an early stage, they can prevent numerous kinds of gum problems and cavities in the later stages of their life.

Cavities, as well as a decayed tooth, can cause more harm than you think. In fact, these can interfere when your baby is trying to talk or eat. Apart from that, a decayed tooth can eventually fall out and prevent the growth of future teeth. Besides, in some instances, the permanent tooth might come out crooked in that region.

Another essential aspect that you need to know is that not all milk teeth have future permanent successors. In fact, in rare cases, a milk tooth can remain for life.

How Can You Start Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth?

You can consider brushing your baby’s teeth with a baby finger toothbrush or with a soft, damp cloth. Consider rubbing it along the gum line to remove any food debris. Besides, make sure to clean near the molar region, under the tongue as well as under the lip region. These regions are usually more prone to food stains. Ideally, it is best to brush your baby’s teeth after the nursing session.

Many Pediatric dentists usually recommend mothers start off with a finger toothbrush smeared with a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste. However, if your baby has not learned how to spit yet, consider sticking to a damp kids finger toothbrush without any toothpaste. Apart from that, make sure that the toothbrush does not have more than two or three rows of soft bristles.

Why Is It Considered Important To Brush Your Baby’s Gums?

Brushing your baby’s gums can help in preventing harmful bacterial growth. Apart from that, it can also help in promoting good oral hygiene way before your child’s permanent teeth grow. Instead of using a toothbrush, you can make use of a soft wet cloth to remove food debris from the gums. Yet again, make sure that the fabric you use has a silky texture.

What Can One Do If Their Baby Hates Brushing?

Your baby might initially not like brushing much. Thus, during the initial stages, it may be an excellent option to go for colorful and bright toothbrushes that have your baby’s favorite cartoon character. Apart from that, make sure to practice your good dental habits in front of your baby. Thus, this will motivate your child to incorporate these habits into their daily routines.

Since your child’s gums are susceptible, make sure to brush with a soft, damp cloth. A gentle rubbing, and it’s done! Consider singing a lullaby or a song to distract your baby if they act irritated.

Another strategy you can try is to get your baby to repeat what you do. You can show your child how brushing is done and then motivate your baby to do it! During the initial stages, your baby will be definitely quite curious to learn more about the finger toothbrush. Allow them to examine or even hold the finger toothbrush with bristles. Eventually, you will see your baby trying to brush on its own.