You should brush your baby's teeth after they have had milk.
Why Brush After Milk?
Leaving milk residue on your baby's teeth, especially overnight, can lead to tooth decay. Here’s a breakdown:
- Milk Residue: Whether it's breast milk, formula, dairy milk, or non-dairy milk, it all contains sugars.
- Bacteria Feed on Sugar: Bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugars, producing acid.
- Acid Attacks Enamel: This acid attacks the tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
The reference clearly states, "Brush your child's teeth after they have had milk to drink. This includes breastmilk, formula, dairy milk and non-dairy milk. Do not let your child go to sleep with milk left in their mouth." This emphasizes the importance of removing milk residue to prevent dental problems.
Practical Tips for Baby Tooth Brushing
Here's how to incorporate brushing into your baby's routine:
- Timing is Key: Brush after the last milk feeding of the day, especially before bedtime.
- Use a Soft Brush: Choose a baby toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Small Amount of Fluoride Toothpaste: Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) for babies under 3 years old, and a pea-sized amount for children aged 3-6 years.
- Gentle Cleaning: Gently brush all surfaces of the teeth.
- Make it a Habit: Establish a consistent brushing routine early on.
Avoiding Sweetened Drinks
It’s important to remember:
- No Sweetened Drinks in Bottles: Never put sweetened drinks like juice in bottles or sippy cups.
