Start early by instilling good dental hygiene habits in your infant – Archana N.

Most new parents can’t wait for their infant’s teething troubles to be over! The process of teeth erupting or breaking through the gums, aka teething, usually happens between 6-24 months of age. And teething symptoms include irritability, tender swollen gums, and infants inserting fingers and objects into the mouth to chew on to reduce discomfort.

When you spot the first tooth erupting in your infant’s mouth, it’s a good time to start dental hygiene by using a wet cloth to wipe her gums every day. When the first tooth pops up, its advisable not to resort to the toothbrush. Her gums are tender, so continue to use your finger or a damp, soft washcloth to wipe the new teeth.

Once the baby teeth appear which is usually after six months, inculcate the habit of brushing the teeth in the mornings and night. Accumulated food deposits tend to attract germs and bacteria that can multiply overnight. Even milk can breed bacteria. Therefore cleaning out your toddler’s mouth every night is very important, whether by wiping her teeth with a wet cloth or using a soft infants toothbrush.

For the brushing routine, initially use plain water, upto 18 months of age. If you want to use toothpaste, ensure you use specially designed infant paste. Adult toothpaste can be harmful when swallowed, which is inevitable in infants. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is good enough. Initiating your toddler into a twice-a-day brushing routine will instill good dental hygiene habits which will stand in her good stead later in life.

When brushing select a toothbrush with soft bristles and discard it forthwith when the bristles wear out.

Supplementary finger brushing is useful to reach inside an infant’s mouth.

Demonstrate spitting out of toothpaste to encourage your toddler to do likewise. Use only drinking/boiled water. Tap water might carry harmful germs.

Use circular movements and clean the teeth, one area at a time. Ask your dentist for a demonstration to make sure you get it right. Visit the dentist regularly within six months of the first tooth breaking through the gums.

Here are some ways to make your toddler enjoy the daily tooth brushing routine.

Make it joyous. The brushing routine can be made enjoyable. Try singing this song during the exercise: ‘Brush, brush, brush your teeth, morning, noon, and night. Then you won’t be afraid to show it in the light.’

Do it together. Brush your teeth at around the same time as your child brushes hers.

Use role play. Your toddler can brush her doll’s teeth first and then her own (with different brushes, of course!). Attractive toothbrushes. Choose colourful, attractive toothbrushes.

Toothpaste selection. Try interesting new toothpaste flavours.

Use a mirror. Fix a mirror at her height so that she can see herself brushing her teeth.

Also read: Dental care primer for youngest children