The Best Baby Toothbrushes for Budding Pearly Whites
It’s an exciting time when your little one’s first tooth starts to appear. Baby teeth can start popping up at 6 months old, so caring for them as early as possible is essential. Baby Teeth. American Dental Association. Some baby toothbrushes resemble adult toothbrushes, while others double as a teether or fit on the finger for easy use. Regardless of design, the best baby toothbrushes are soft, simple to use, and withstand the gnawing of tiny pearly whites. To find the best baby toothbrushes and learn more about caring for those adorable two front teeth (and beyond), we spoke to several pediatric dentists. We also tested 16 top-rated kids’ electric toothbrushes with the help of 12 parenting editors and their children. When reviewing and testing baby toothbrushes, we considered ease of use, functionality, design, quality, and value. A board-certified family physician on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding what to look for in baby toothbrushes and when and how often to use them.
When Should You Start Brushing Baby Teeth?
Once a baby’s first tooth erupts, you’ll want to start brushing twice a day, every day. When that first tooth comes in, decay is a possibility, so cleaning the teeth twice a day ensures healthy dental hygiene. You’ll need to brush your baby’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste once after breakfast and just before they go to bed. Your child’s toothbrush should be the last thing to touch their teeth at night. Use a rice-sized amount of toothpaste on your child’s brush until they turn 3. Too much toothpaste can lead to fluorosis, which permanently stains the teeth by forming pits and spots. Waiting for your baby to erupt teeth is exciting, but many parents and caregivers don’t realize they should start brushing early. Before teeth come in, you can clean your baby’s mouth with a clean gauze pad or soft cloth. Additionally, a fingertip toothbrush cleans gums prior to the eruption of teeth and after they start showing.