Posted

at Riverside Dental Group, offer this guide to early brushing.

Introduce Toddlers to Their Friend, Mr. Toothbrush

Babies are naturally curious about anything new they see. Chances are, if you try to stick a toothbrush in a toddler’s mouth, they will attempt to grab it away from you so they can enjoy the tactile experience themselves. This is a great way to get little ones used to the idea of regular brushing. Encourage their involvement so they develop familiarity, even letting them chew on their new toothbrush gently. Just make sure you don’t let them walk around with the toothbrush in their mouth, in case they should fall.

How to Tackle Early Brushing

Brushing the tiny teeth of an uncooperative toddler can be daunting. Put a bit of non-fluoridated (training) toothpaste on a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. Limiting your young children’s exposure to fluoride is important because of a condition called fluorosis. Over-exposure to fluoride can lead to white and brown spots and streaks on teeth that haven’t emerged yet.

Sitting your toddler on your lap can aid in keeping them still and granting you better access to their mouth. As they get older, standing behind them will work well while assisting them with brushing their teeth. Feel free to give them a turn, but make sure that you are backing their work up with a more thorough cleaning. Tilt their head up a little and tell (or show) them that they need to open their mouth widely. Use a circular motion to clean the front and back teeth up to the gumline, giving extra focus to the chewing surfaces of the molars. Encourage them to swish water in their mouth and spit after the brushing is complete. Even with no presence of fluoride, you don’t want your baby to get in the habit of swallowing toothpaste.

Visit Your Dentists in Riverside for a Checkup

Consider bringing your toddler to their flagship dental appointment after their first tooth comes in. While they won’t need a full cleaning, the visit will get them accustomed to the sights and smells of the dentist office, making future appointments nothing to fear. Your Riverside dentists are happy to offer comprehensive dentistry for the whole family. If you are due for a dental checkup or cleaning, contact our 92506 dentist office at (951) 369-1001. We serve patients throughout Riverside County.