What you can use to clean your baby's mouth depends on whether they have teeth. According to guidelines, the recommended method changes once teeth begin to appear.
Here's a breakdown of what to use based on the presence of teeth:
Cleaning Baby's Mouth
Maintaining your baby's oral hygiene is important, even before teeth emerge. The tools you use are simple and effective for keeping their mouth clean.
- If there are no teeth: When your baby's gums are still smooth and no teeth have come in, you should use a clean cloth that has been dampened with warm water. Gently wipe the insides of their mouth to clean away any milk residue or debris.
- If teeth are present: Once teeth have arrived, it is recommended to transition to using a soft finger toothbrush. This tool is designed to protect your finger from being bitten while allowing you to clean their mouth effectively around the new teeth.
Using the appropriate tool helps ensure a safe and clean environment for your baby's developing mouth.
Baby's Condition | Recommended Cleaning Tool |
---|---|
No Teeth Yet | Clean cloth dampened with water |
Teeth Are Present | Soft finger toothbrush |