My little boy, Ben, who is eight months old, has several teeth, which I try to clean in the morning and the evening. Sometimes he is very co-operative but on other occasions he clamps his mouth shut and won’t let me clean them. Do you have any tips on the best way to clean your child’s teeth and what to do if they are not to keen on the idea?
Ben’s response is perfectly naturally. He is at an age when he is beginning to want to try to do things himself. I suspect he probably wants to feed himself too? These first indications of independence are a very healthy part of the first year. What is important is that you persevere with regular teeth cleaning.
It is absolutely right that as soon as the first teeth appear you should attempt to clean them twice a day. Choose a toothbrush that is designed for a baby, since this will have a smaller head, and softer bristles for his little mouth. Before putting the toothpaste one, let Ben hold the brush, in order to get used to the feel of it. I am sure he will try to use it to brush his hair, or your teeth. Let Ben see you brushing your teeth with your brush to encourage him.
One tip to try is to sit Ben on your lap, looking at a mirror. If it is the brush he dislikes, some dentists suggest trying to use a clean piece of cotton cloth folded around your finger, while he gets used to the idea. Watch out for those teeth ‘though!
Use a baby or child tooth paste since these will be formulated to taste better for a baby and also contain less fluoride, which is important when most of the toothpaste is swallowed. A pea size amount is enough.
Dentists recommend that you should gently brush the tooth in a clockwise motion, directing the bristles towards where the tooth and gum meet. If you are successful in cleaning your child’s teeth, try to finish by gently brushing the surface of the tongue since this can contain bacteria, which has been linked to tooth decay.
Most children adapt quickly, and by the age of a year can help you by opening their mouth wide, and trying to brush their teeth themselves. Dental advice recommends that no matter how competent your children seem, it is important to continue to help them brush their teeth until they are six years old.