BRUSHING YOUR BABIES TEETH By Trony Valentine Ingati

Teaching your baby to brush their little teeth can be one difficult task. But as a parent you will always discover the best things and the shortest way to master the joys and pitfalls of parenthood. Either way it is good practice that your children learn good dental hygiene.

For starters go shopping with them, for that particular tooth brush. Children get fascinated with color and you will be surprised at what good taste they might posses. Point out a tooth brush and let them look impressed by your selection.  Nonetheless, make sure that the bristles are soft and the neck of the tooth brush can stretch out to the back of their little teeth. Choose a colorful brush that excites them but has soft bristles as their teeth are sensitive and growing.

If your child is a small little one, then sit your baby on your lap or have them stand up on a stool facing the sink. Guide them as they take their first steps to brushing their teeth. Encourage them by smiling and acting very excited. This only gives them the zeal to go on and brush their little teeth every morning.

Babies under two don’t need tooth paste, as the tap water contains just enough fluoride for their teeth. For the two year olds and above measure a pea size squeeze of toothpaste. Wet your child’s brush and start by gently massaging their gums, then brush from front to back or guide them to do so. Slowly move to any back teeth and once that’s complete use circular movements on each tooth so as to get any particles stuck!

Whatever you do, be sure not to forget to brush your babies tongue or teach them to do it on their own. The tongue is full of many little ridges more similar to a hill and valley.  Not brushing your little ones tongue can shock you, to an extent that can end up allowing your child to equal bad breath, worse than that of a garlic mouth. Do allow for the brushing of their tongue by asking your child to open their mouth wide and say ‘ahhhhhaa…’ Ask your baby to spit out any toothpaste residue left in their mouth and rinse with plenty of water. Kiss your baby, or smile at them or give one big hug for a job well done. This will ensure that they in high spirits and look forward to brushing their teeth again.