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A Toothbrush for my Baby

Do I Need to Buy a Toothbrush for my Baby

Parents with a young baby want to set their child on the right path toward achieving the best possible dental health, right from the first tooth, and one common question for the pediatric dentist is if a special toothbrush needs to be purchased to brush the baby’s teeth. There are two ways to care for your baby’s teeth when he or she begins to teethe.

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Using a Toothbrush Designed for a Baby

IThere are also toothbrushes available to brush a baby’s teeth but parents need to make sure they are buying the right toothbrush for the size of their child’s mouth and for their baby’s comfort. Babies are constantly teething and this causes some sensitivity, pain and discomfort so parents should select a toothbrush that is designed specifically with babies in mind. A toothbrush for a baby will have a very small head and very soft bristles. The toothbrush will also need to be changed every one to three months or when the bristles start to spread out.

Using Gauze or Muslin to Clean a Baby’s Teeth

One method used to clean your baby’s teeth is to use a small piece of gauze or muslin. This may be the easier approach at first as with small teeth that are only beginning to emerge, parents find that being able to feel the tooth with their finger is easier, and allows them to truly know they are brushing all of the teeth and in the right spots. Using gauze or muslin is the best approach to cleaning teeth that are small and hard to reach. Parents can place a very small dab of toothpaste made for babies on the gauze or muslin and brush their baby’s teeth where the tooth and gums meet by using a small, circular motion.

USING THE RIGHT TOOTHPASTE FOR A BABY

How Much Fluoride Toothpaste contains?

Just as there are toothbrushes specifically designed for babies, there is also specific toothpaste that should be used. Toothpaste made for very young babies has a fluoride level of less than 1000ppm (parts per million). Children should not share their parent’s regular toothpaste until they are about three years old. Toothpaste usually contains 1350-1500ppm of fluoride.

Questions About Brushing Baby’s Teeth

Your pediatric dentist will be able to answer your questions about brushing your baby’s teeth and will provide guidance in the dental office. This may also include how to hold your baby in your lap to effectively brush his or her teeth, and later in life, how to transition from parents brushing their baby’s teeth, to the child brushing his or her teeth independently. It’s common for parents to have many questions and to be nervous about handling their child’s dental health and hygiene but the pediatric dentist will help with preventive care for your child.

Dr. Chapnick is available to be booked for routine checkups and to instruct parents on how to properly care for their baby’s new teeth. Feel free to call the dental team any time to book an appointment in Barrie 705-722-4848 or Toronto 647-504-4407.

We are a Family Friendly Practice

At Chapnik Dental Office, we provide family dentistry services. Toronto and Barrie dentist, Dr. Adam Chapnick works with every child to build trust and comfort through the entire dental visit process.

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Not accepting patients at this time.

For inquiries please contact drchapnick@chapnickdental.com

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