1. 0–6 Months Old Babies
For babies aged 0 to 6 months, it's important to let them "rinse" their mouths. At this stage, babies are typically consuming breast milk or formula, both of which are liquid foods, and haven't started solid foods yet. Simply giving the baby some warm water after each meal can serve as a rinse. If the mother has time, she can also use gauze dipped in warm water or mild saltwater to gently wipe the baby's gums and mouth to prevent oral inflammation.
2. 6 Months to 2 Years Old Babies
Babies aged 6 months to 2 years can use a finger toothbrush. This type of toothbrush fits directly on the finger and has a textured surface for cleaning. It's especially useful for reaching difficult-to-access areas due to the flexibility of the finger. To use the finger toothbrush, prepare a bowl of warm water (you can also use a special toothpaste), lay the baby in the adult's arms, support the baby's head with one hand, and gently clean the baby's mouth with the finger toothbrush dipped in water. Brush the teeth and clean the tongue's surface, making sure to clean between the teeth. Before using the finger toothbrush, be sure to sanitize it by boiling it in hot water for 3–5 minutes.
3. 2–3 Years Old Babies
After the baby turns 2, you can start teaching them to use a toothbrush. Most babies' primary teeth fully erupt between 2 and 2.5 years old, so it's a good time to begin teaching proper tooth brushing. First, choose a toothbrush suitable for the baby’s age—preferably one with soft bristles and a size appropriate for their mouth, to ensure effective cleaning. Then, teach the child the correct brushing technique. Don’t worry if they can’t master it right away—allow them to observe, imitate, and gradually start brushing on their own.
4. 3 Years and Older
By age 3, some children are able to brush their own teeth with guidance. Many children start preschool at this age, making it important for them to learn this basic skill. Parents should correct improper brushing techniques, such as excessive horizontal brushing, and teach the child to position the bristles at a 45° angle to the gum line. For the upper teeth, brush from top to bottom; for the lower teeth, brush from bottom to top. Don’t forget to clean both the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Ensure that each brushing session lasts at least 3 minutes, with 15–20 brush strokes for each surface.
No matter how old the child is, they need to take responsibility for their oral health. Even if the child doesn’t have teeth yet, oral care is still important at every stage of their growth. Using different methods based on their age, parents should encourage their children to brush regularly, maintain good oral hygiene habits, limit sugary foods, and brush their teeth twice a day to avoid dental problems.
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