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When to Start Brushing Baby Teeth

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Your baby’s teeth and gums are essential to their overall health and wellness. Baby teeth are very important to your child’s development as they take the place of their permanent teeth. It’s also essential to take good care of your baby’s teeth and gums to establish healthy dental habits and ensure a lifetime of excellent oral health. Even before your child grows their first tooth, it’s crucial you gently clean your baby’s gums to clean away milk, food debris and bacteria.

Decayed baby teeth can inhibit proper speech development and nutrition, and they can put your child at risk for dental disease. If decayed baby teeth deteriorate and fall out, they don’t properly hold the place for their permanent, adult teeth. Also, not all baby teeth have permanent replacements, and sometimes, a baby tooth can be in a person’s mouth for a lifetime.

When to Brush Baby Teeth

Many people wonder when to brush baby teeth, and your children’s dentist in Brisbane is here to offer help! The professionals at Alderley Dental recommend brushing a baby’s teeth as soon as their first tooth comes in.

One can use a clean, damp cloth, finger brush or gauze pad to wipe the teeth, tongue and gums after meals and before bedtime. Cleaning your baby’s teeth and gums fight bacteria and promotes good oral health.

You may also use a soft-bristled child’s toothbrush with no more than a rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste. Using too much fluoride can be toxic to babies and can wear away the enamel, which doesn’t grow back. Your children’s dentist will provide you with the information you need to properly clean your baby’s mouth, including safe techniques and the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste based on their age. Dr Robert Zhang can also help you find the right toothbrush for your child’s mouth as they grow.

Alderley Dental Welcomes Your Call!

Dr Robert Zhang is a gentle and caring children’s dentist with skills and experience countless Brisbane-area families can trust. We invite you to contact our dental clinic today on (07) 3856 2144 to arrange your child’s oral health check-up.

We look forward to welcoming you to Alderley Dental!