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Caring for Your Baby's Teeth FAQ's

When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
What should I use to brush my baby's teeth?
How do I brush my baby's teeth?
Can I put my baby to bed with a bottle?
Why should I use a non-fluoride cleanser for my baby?
When should I start taking my child to the dentist?


When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

Pediatricians and dentists recommend starting as soon as the first tooth comes in. That's because sugars in food, milk and formula can form a plaque-like film. Removal of this film is important to promote good oral hygiene at an early age.

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What should I use to brush my baby's teeth?

When your baby is under a year old, she (or he) needs to become accustomed to having her teeth and gums cleaned. A soft finger toothbrush will work well.

Many professionals recommend Baby Orajel Tooth & Gum Cleanser. It's specially formulated for babies and toddlers. It's made with Microdent® to help remove plaque and prevent build-up. Best of all, it's fluoride-free so it's safe to swallow. Baby Orajel Tooth & Gum Cleanser also does not foam and does not contain abrasives.

Your baby will enjoy the experience because Baby Orajel Tooth & Gum Cleanser is specially flavored for babies, in Mixed Fruit or Apple-Banana.

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How do I brush my baby's teeth?

The first few times, begin by cleaning only the front teeth. Soon after, you can gradually move to the back gums. Sitting your baby on your lap works well. Do this twice a day and make it part of your routine - either after baby's bath or when you are brushing your own teeth.

By the time your child is 12 - 18 months, he (or she) will love to have his own toothbrush and mimic you while you brush your teeth together. Let your baby experiment with it.

When it's your turn, hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle along the gum line. Then gently move the brush back and forth, using short strokes. Brush the outer surfaces, the inside and the chewing surfaces. For the inside of the front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use up and down strokes.

You'll need to do most of the brushing since it takes a number of years before a child has the coordination to do it alone.

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Can I put my baby to bed with a bottle?

You should never put your baby to bed with a bottle (unless it's water) since the sugar in formula or juice will pool around the teeth. A severe condition known as bottle tooth decay may occur.

It's also best not to let your toddler walk around with a bottle during the day. What's important is to minimize the amount of time the bottle is in the mouth.

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Why should I use a non-fluoride cleanser for my baby?

While fluoride can help prevent cavities, its use must be carefully controlled in young children. Children are exposed to a wide variety of sources, including drinking water, fluoride toothpaste, fluoride supplements, formula, juice and other kinds of food. Ingesting too much fluoride could result in fluorosis, white spots that develop on the permanent teeth. Fluoride toothpaste may not be appropriate for children under two (ask your doctor or dentist) because babies under two may swallow the toothpaste and ingest too much fluoride.

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When should I start taking my child to the dentist?

Your pediatrician is trained to check a baby's teeth and provide instruction on cavity prevention.

Visits to the dentist are also an important part of good oral care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend a first check-up before your child turns one. The purpose of this visit is for a preventive exam only.

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