Ask the Dentist: Brushing For Babies

Q: When should I start brushing and flossing my baby’s teeth?

A: Brushing should begin once your baby’s first teeth emerge although cleaning the gums and tongue with a washcloth can begin right from birth!

Use a small soft bristled toothbrush to gently clean the new teeth. Done twice a day, this will only take a few seconds. The first few teeth appear between 6 to 8 months of age. Using water or a non-fluoride toothpaste is appropriate for this age. Fluoride prevents cavities and is found in some toothpastes. Your paediatric dentist will be able to advise you when it is most appropriate to make this transition.

Flossing helps to effectively remove bacteria and food debris that get caught in between baby teeth. Most families do this once a day, with the brushing at night. Many parents find flossers easier to use than the string-type floss wound around their fingers.

Research has shown that children who start seeing the dentist early have less cavities and better dental health. In addition to good daily home care, parents are encouraged to bring babies for their first dental check up before their first birthday. Your paediatric dentist will check to ensure your child’s dental growth and development is on track and identify any areas of concern early. We can also demonstrate the right way to brush your child’s teeth. These early visits can be lots of fun and go a long way to getting your child used to seeing the dentist.

Dr Tabitha Chng is a Dental Specialist in Paedodontics (Children’s Dentistry) with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Paedodontics from University of Toronto, Canada. She is currently the only Paediatric dentist to be dually certified by both the American Board of Paediatric Dentistry and the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Dr Chng loves to see children smile and constantly strives to create a safe and relaxed environment for kids to enjoy their visits. Besides fighting cavities, she has a special interest in paediatric sleep medicine (eg. tooth grinding, snoring) and early management of crooked teeth without braces.
www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883