Before the arrival:

An infant’s first tooth tends to be seen after the age of 6 months. Begin the oral hygiene even before this time. Everytime the child is fed make sure you wipe the tongue and gums with a washcloth.

When you notice the first tooth:

This is a time for celebration. After you have made all your phone calls to inform your loved ones about the baby’s first tooth make sure you begin with the dental hygiene. This includes guarding the infant from baby bottle decay. This happens when the child falls asleep with the bottle in the mouth, the liquid settles on the teeth and gums and the infections tend to begin. Preventing decay in this stage is easy. Never let the child fall asleep with a bottle of liquids. A bottle of water is fine or speak with your physician and inquire on his take of using a pacifier.

How to brush your baby’s teeth?

This may be an overwhelming process in the beginning for both the parent as well as the child. The best way to stay away from a toothbrush battle is to begin the onset of the first tooth. At this age the child is too small to argue or react. However, if you’ve already crossed that stage don’t be afraid. Hand over the tooth brush to the child the first day and walk over to the sink and pretend to brush your teeth with your own brush. Encourage your child to do the same. Continue doing this for a few then.

After a few days, sit the child down on your lap and bend forward towards the wash basin. Gently place the toothbrush on the child’s tooth and massage the gums gently. If the child tends to pull the brush gently let go and once the child is satisfied playing continue brushing. Turn the activity into a game to ensure that the child does not swallow the toothpaste. Remember do not use too much toothpaste. You do not need to see the foam while brushing an infant’s teeth. As the child gets older try and encourage it to spit the left over foam and rinse its mouth. As a parent you may need to supervise your child’s brushing sessions till the ages of 5 or 6.

Remember, children always follow in the footsteps of their parents so the only way you can enhance your child’s dental routine is by following one yourself.