Cleaning a child's mouth is simple and crucial for their oral health. The method depends on whether teeth have erupted.
Before Teeth Appear
Before your child's teeth come in, gently wipe their gums.
- Use a clean, soft cloth or gauze pad.
- Dampen the cloth or gauze with plain water – it should be moist, not soaking wet.
- Gently wipe the gums and tongue. This removes food particles and helps maintain oral hygiene.
After Teeth Erupt
Once your baby's teeth begin to appear, you'll need to start using a toothbrush.
- Choose a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants or toddlers.
- Use a smear (or rice grain sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste for children under three, and a pea-sized amount for older children, but always supervise brushing to prevent swallowing excess toothpaste.
- Brush gently twice a day, morning and night, focusing on all tooth surfaces.
- Remember to clean the tongue gently as well, which helps remove bacteria.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Regular cleaning, even before teeth appear, helps prevent gum disease and establishes good oral hygiene habits early on. Following these steps ensures your child develops healthy teeth and gums.
