Even though the number is still small, baby teeth still need to be cleaned regularly so that the baby's oral health is maintained. However, cleaning baby teeth must be done carefully, yes, Bun. Know how to clean baby's teeth properly so that the results are maximum and don't hurt the mouth or gums.
Baby teeth or milk teeth serve to help babies chew and learn to talk. Therefore, even though they will fall out and be replaced with permanent teeth, baby teeth still need to be cared for and kept clean.
If the baby's dental and oral health is not maintained, gingivitis or gum infection can occur which later can cause a gap between the permanent teeth. To prevent this, Mother must be diligent in cleaning the Little One's teeth.
Guide to Caring for and Cleaning Baby's Teeth
Generally, baby teeth start to grow when he is around 4-7 months old. Baby teething usually starts with 2 teeth on the front side. However, baby's oral health and hygiene still need to be taken care of, even before he starts teething.
The following are the steps for cleaning baby's teeth and mouth properly:
1. Clean the gums and teeth with a soft damp cloth
Mother, how to clean your little one's teeth is easy, how come. Just wipe his gums with a soft, clean damp cloth after each meal. In addition, you can also use gauze to clean your baby's mouth and teeth.
Do this at least 2 times a day, after your little one eats lunch and at night before he goes to sleep.
Mothers need to regularly clean their little one's teeth to clean bacteria and food residue from his mouth, so that plaque does not form or get tooth and gum disease.
2. Use the right toothbrush
If enough teeth have grown, you can start cleaning your teeth with a toothbrush. Choose a baby toothbrush with soft bristles, a small brush head, and a large handle, making it easy to grip.
You can brush your baby's teeth until he is able to brush his own teeth. When brushing your little one's teeth, you just need to brush them with clean water. Usually, new children's toothpaste is used when the little one reaches the age of 3 years.
3. Avoid putting the baby to sleep with a milk bottle
Mothers may often give milk bottles or pacifiers to your little one so that they are not fussy and help him sleep more soundly. In fact, pacifiers or milk bottles that are left in the mouth are at risk of causing cavities in your baby's teeth and triggering the growth of bacteria in his mouth.
In addition, this habit is also not good if left continuously, because it can make your little one dependent on the pacifier.
4. Clean the baby's pacifier regularly
Don't forget to clean your baby's milk bottle and pacifier regularly every day. However, the use of pacifiers or pacifiers should be stopped after the little one is 2 years old, because at this age he should have been drinking from a glass.
In addition, don't forget to teach your little one not to suck their thumb often, because this habit is at risk of causing their teeth to become uneven.
5. Give mineral water
If you have reached the age of a year, your little one can be given drinking mineral water or fresh milk between meals. Mineral water can clean the remnants of food left on the teeth and mouth.
Both of these drink options are better for your little one's teeth than milk with added flavors or packaged fruit juices that contain lots of sugar.
6. Pay attention to the condition of the baby's teeth
Mothers are also advised to often observe and see if there are holes and discoloration of the little one's teeth, for example, whether his teeth look brown or black. If your little one's teeth appear to be cavities, damaged, or discolored, you are advised to take them to the dentist for examination.
How to clean baby's teeth and the above care steps need to be done regularly so that your baby's oral health is maintained. Because the health of the teeth and mouth also determines the health of the Little One and supports its growth and development.
Don't forget to regularly check the condition of your little one's teeth to the dentist from an early age. When you meet a dentist, you can consult about the baby's oral and dental health, for example regarding the impact of thumb or pacifier sucking on the health of your baby's teeth and mouth.