Tips and Tricks for Brushing Baby Teeth

Anyone who has tried to brush their own teeth knows that the process can be cumbersome, and trying to get a wiggly baby to sit still long enough to brush their teeth can feel like an impossible feat. But don't worry, we're here to help! Here are some of our top tips and tricks for making the brushing process easier for both you and your little one.

Buy A Baby-Sized Toothbrush.

They may seem like they wouldn't make much of a difference, but smaller toothbrushes are specifically designed to fit into baby mouths, making it easier to reach all those nooks and crannies.

Buy on Amazon: Dr. Brown's Infant-to-Toddler Training Toothbrush

Dr. Brown's Infant-to-Toddler Training Toothbrush is a great choice for parents who are just starting to brush their baby's teeth. The soft bristles are gentle on delicate tooth enamel, and the curved handle makes it easy to grip. Plus, the toothbrush can be used from infancy all the way up to age three, making it a great value purchase.

Put A Pea-Sized Amount Of Toothpaste On The Brush

Any more than that and your baby is likely to end up swallowing most of it. Swallowing too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which causes white spots on teeth.

Let Your Baby Play With The Brush Before You Start Brushing

This will help them get used to the sensation of something being in their mouth.

A new study has found that letting your baby play with the toothbrush before you start brushing can actually make the process easier.

Researchers found that babies who were given a toothbrush to play with prior to having their teeth brushed were more cooperative and less likely to cry during the process.

So next time you go to brush your baby's teeth, give them the brush first and let them have a little playtime with it. It just might make things go more smoothly.

Use Circular Motions When You Brush

Baby teeth are small, so you don't need to use a lot of pressure. Just let the bristles do the work! Just let the bristles do the work! For best results, brush for two minutes twice a day.

Be Patient!

Brushing your own teeth can be tedious, so it's no surprise that trying to brush someone else's can be even more so. The key is to be gentle and patient with your little one, and eventually, they'll learn to love (or at least tolerate) the process.

Reward Good Behavior

After a successful brushing session, praise your child and maybe even offer up a small reward, like letting them choose a bedtime story or picking out a new toothbrush with their favorite character on it.

Final Thoughts

Brushing baby teeth doesn't have to be a battle! With these tips and tricks, you'll have your little one's smile sparkling in no time. And who knows, maybe they'll even enjoy it! (Okay, maybe that's wishful thinking.)