Decayed baby teeth can interfere with good nutrition and speech development.
What’s more, not all baby teeth have permanent successors.
There are cases when a baby tooth may be in a persons mouth for life.
When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
Toothbrushing can begin as soon as your baby’s first tooth pokes through.
Pediatric dentists prefer you use a soft-bristledbaby toothbrushmoistened with water and a rice grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
(The brush should have no more than three rows of bristles.)
A pediatric dentist or your pharmacist can help you find the finger brushes and a proper baby toothbrush.
Should I brush my baby’s gums?
Pediatric dentists recommend cleaning your baby’s gums after feedings from the get-go.
They’re both gentle options with a nubby texture babies tend to love.
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Can babies use fluoride toothpaste?
Don’t worry if your baby swallows some of the toothpaste (as she almost certainly will).
In such a small quantity, it won’t cause any damage.
