Your baby’s first tooth has finally popped through. Now what do you do? Start a good oral hygiene routine! That’s right, once that first tooth makes its shining debut, it’s time to invest in some quality products and get cleaning. Don’t wait until your baby is eating solids. If he has a tooth, he can get cavities! Oral hygiene is an important, but often overlooked, part of maintaining a baby’s health and well-being. The following is a list of some helpful hints in beginning a good oral hygiene routine with your little one, and some of the best, innovative products on the market.
GET YOUR INFANT USED TO ORAL HYGIENE
While most parents wait until their baby gets teeth to begin an oral hygiene routine, it’s actually recommended to begin before that. You can begin by gently massaging your baby’s gums with a soft cloth. This will not only wipe away bacteria, but it will help your baby get used to the cleaning process so that the introduction to a toothbrush will go a little more smoothly. MAM, an innovative company that makes non-toxic,medically researched and technologically advanced baby oral care products, teethers, pacifiers and more, has created the perfect cloth cleaner for babies’ sensitive gums. MAM’s Oral Care Rabbit is an incredibly soft microfiber cloth with two finger slots. You simply insert your fingers into the slots and gently massage your baby’s gums with them. And best yet,the Oral Care Rabbit is machine washable!
ONCE THE FIRST TOOTH COMES THROUGH
Once that first tooth comes through, it’s time to begin a brushing routine. However, you don’t just want to run out and buy any old toothbrush and toothpaste with your child’s favorite character on it. Your baby’s first experience with brushing his teeth will set the tone for his oral hygiene routine for years to come. You want to make sure the products you use are designed specifically with your child’s health, safety and comfort in mind. MAM has created a line of three unique brushes for each stage of your child’s developing skills.
The MAM Massaging Brush is designed to massage your baby’s gums and first teeth. Its duel sides provide 4 different textured surfaces that provide choice and comfort for your baby’s sore gums; and its long handle makes it ideal for parents and baby to hold together.
The MAM Training Brush has two sides. One acts as a gum massager, and the other as a tooth brusher. It has a long handle for parents and baby to hold together, and the pink bristles in the middle act as an indicator for how much toothpaste should be applied to the brush. This is the perfect brush to teachyour baby how to brush independently.
MAM’s First Brush has all of the features of the training brush, except the massager and long handle. The short handle is designed for independent brushing.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOOTHPASTE
Just because a toothpaste is marketed for babies and toddlers, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe. There are a lot of questionable ingredients and chemicals in children’s toothpaste. So how do you know which ones are safe for your baby? The Environmental Working Group conducted a study on popular children’s toothpaste, breaking down the ingredients and rating them based on hazardous concern. The following is a list of the top three “lowest hazard” children’s toothpaste brands , according to the EWG:
Jack N Jill Natural Toothpaste (in all flavors) – rated Level 0, Low Hazard
Earth’s Best Toddler Toothpaste in Apple and Pear – rated Level 1, Low Hazard
BabyGanics Fluoride Free Toothpaste in Strawberry and Watermelon- rated Level 2, Low Hazard
For a complete list of children’s toothpaste that the EWG rated and a breakdown of their ratings, click here.
BRUSHING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
- Begin by brushing your child’s teeth in a swirling motion. Don’t forget to brush and massage the gums as well.
- Brush your baby’s teeth once a day, after their evening meal. Children two and older should brush their teeth twice a day.
- Always supervise your children while they’re brushing their teeth. Be sure to only put the recommended amount of toothpaste on their toothbrushes for them.
- Make teeth brushing a fun routine that your children will look forward to. Teaching your children good oral hygiene from the start will contribute to their health and well-being throughout their adult lives.
OTHER ORAL CARE
During the first few years of your baby’s life, teething will be a constant and sometimes uncomfortable occurrence. MAM has made it easier for you and your little one by developing a line of tried-and-true products to aid in this transitional time.
Try some of these great MAM products for all of your baby’s teething needs:
- Bite & Brush Teether
- Bite & Relax Phase 1 Mini Teether
- Teething Edge Pacifier
- Bite & Relax Phase 2 Mini Teether
- Cooler Teether
- Mini Cooler Teether With Clip
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Photo credit: With A Red Bird On My Shoulder
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