Oral care is an important part of a child's overall health. Healthy baby teeth help with eating, speech development, and also hold space for the permanent teeth that will come later.

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Once she got her first tooth, I introduced a soft silicone toothbrush designed for babies. By then, she had already watched us brush our teeth every day, so she naturally started imitating us. Even before regular brushing, I would occasionally clean her teeth, gums, and tongue using a clean wet cotton cloth. Initially, I did not use toothpaste. I would gently brush her teeth with a baby toothbrush to help her get used to the brushing routine.

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At night, before sleep, I would clean her mouth and teeth and encourage her to rinse. Since we avoided added sugars, chocolates, ice cream, and sweet treats, maintaining her oral hygiene was relatively simple.

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Around 18 months, after she had learned how to gargle and spit, I introduced a grain-sized amount of toothpaste. By this stage, brushing had become part of her routine and she genuinely enjoyed it. She would often remind me herself by saying "brush" and "paste." Even today, brushing is something she looks forward to.

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What Dentists Generally Recommend

• Start cleaning a baby's mouth from infancy, even before teeth appear.

• Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts.

• Use a soft baby toothbrush designed for infants.

• For children under 3 years, use only a grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.

• Brush twice daily, especially before bedtime.

• Avoid putting a baby to bed with milk, juice, or sweet drinks remaining on the teeth.

• Limit added sugars and sticky sweets, as they increase the risk of tooth decay.

• Make brushing a positive and enjoyable part of the daily routine.

Good oral habits started early can help children develop healthy teeth and a positive attitude toward dental care as they grow.