Caring for your infant’s mouth

Do you have a baby or toddler who hates toothbrushing? We believe that this is the key to make them love toothbrushing even at an early age. You just have to start them young! 😀

Start cleaning your babies’ mouth even before their teeth come in (starting from birth). Aside from preventing milk residue accumulation (white curds on their tongue and gums), making this a part of your baby’s everyday routine helps your baby get ready for toothbrushing when his/her 1st tooth erupts. Also, cleaning and massaging their gums so often will help relieve teething pains.

Do not fret if your baby cries at first. He/she will get used to it as long as you do it everyday. Remember, you are creating healthy habits for your child that he or he will carry until adulthood!

Sharing this video of how I clean my then 3-month-old baby’s mouth.

Steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

2. Get a soft wash cloth or non woven gauze and wrap it around your index finger. You can slightly moist it with warm water or just let your baby’s saliva wet the gauze.

3. Gently rub your baby’s top and bottom gums and lastly the tongue. Make sure to support baby’s head and neck to avoid unnecessary movements. For newborns, you can perform this in a cradle position.

4. Do this at least twice a day. (daytime and before bedtime)