Dental care is just as important for babies as it is for adults. Healthy baby teeth allow children to graduate to foods that require more chewing. They also keep away the pain of tooth decay, hold space for adult teeth which come later, assist with the production of speech sounds, and provide a beautiful smile. In order to properly take care of a baby's first teeth, you will need a toothbrush. Toothbrushes for babies come in surprisingly varied styles.
Fingertip toothbrushes are popular for babies. These are usually made of silicone and fit over an adult finger. The fingertip brush is guided through the mouth of the baby, removing bacteria and cleaning the gums and teeth. Some models have silicone bristles on one side and bumps for massaging the baby's gums with the other.
Other baby toothbrushes resemble teethers or pacifiers. Some have easy-to-grasp handles reminiscent of baby toys and silicone nubs for massaging and brushing. Others have a silicone end that is shaped like the head of a toothbrush but have a circular barrier to keep the toothbrush from going too far into the mouth, similar to a pacifier.
Still, other toothbrushes for babies have the standard toothbrush shape, though they don't have standard bristles. Some have small handles for children, while others have extra-long handles so that child and parent can grasp and guide the toothbrush at the same time.
Choose the style of baby toothbrush that will work best for you. The most important things are that the baby's teeth are getting proper care and the child is learning that dental care is part of an everyday routine.
Starting a good oral hygiene regime young can help your child down the road. If you're looking for a gentle pediatric dentistry, contact the team at the family dentist office Children's Dental Specialists today.
