Buying guide for Best baby toothbrushes
When your baby starts teething, you want to make sure to provide them with the best possible care for those teeth. This starts with good dental hygiene and the right kind of toothbrush. Baby gums are soft and sensitive, especially when new teeth are coming in. A toothbrush that is soft enough to be comfortable yet strong enough to clean those little pearls is essential for getting your baby’s oral health off on the right foot. Luckily, there are many more baby toothbrushes available now than there were just a few years ago.
Most of the baby toothbrushes sold today are designed with sensitive gums and teeth in mind. Manufacturers understand the delicate nature of a baby’s gums and that it’s just as important to keep them comfortable as it is to keep the teeth clean. There are a lot of choices on the baby toothbrush market, so take your time looking at the available options before choosing a baby toothbrush for your little one.
Key considerations
Comfort and cleanliness
Because there are so many options when shopping for a baby toothbrush, it’s important that you take a number of things into consideration during your shopping. The two “C’s” when looking for a baby toothbrush are “comfort” and “cleanliness.” These two factors are the lens through which you should look at every aspect of a baby toothbrush. If the toothbrush doesn’t meet or exceed your expectations in either of these areas, it’s probably not worth your time or money.
Expert Tip
Babies should not be put in a crib with a bottle, nor should you give babies juice in a bottle as this can cause tooth decay.
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Ergonomics
Baby toothbrushes have a number of grip styles, each of which has its own benefits and disadvantages. Some look and feel just like a traditional toothbrush, which parents may like because of the familiarity. Others have large handles that serve two main functions. First, it’s easier for a parent to grip a large handle when trying to brush a baby’s teeth. Second, it’s easier for a toddler to grip when he grows a little older and is ready to start brushing independently.
Traditional vs. over-the-finger brush
While some baby toothbrushes are similar to traditional toothbrushes, others are designed to slip over the tip of a parent’s finger. This makes brushing easier for you, the parent because the only object you must manipulate is your own finger. Over-the-finger brushes are sometimes better for fussy babies who might push a standard brush out of their mouth. Remember, though, that a little bit of pressure goes a long way when you’re using an over-the-finger toothbrush on sensitive little gums.
Bristle material
Most baby toothbrushes have soft or extra-soft vegetable-derived bristles. These bristles are similar to those in most standard adult toothbrushes. They are durable enough to clean your baby’s teeth but soft enough to be comfortable.
Another popular option is a baby toothbrush with bristles made of silicone. Silicone bristles are gentler on the gums than vegetable-derived bristles, though some people feel they don’t clean the teeth as thoroughly.
Safety
Safety is an important consideration with any product you buy for your baby. Most baby toothbrushes are designed with safety in mind, but you can never be too careful, so think about the size, shape, and durability of the brush since the ultimate goal is for the child to be able to hold and use the toothbrush themselves.
Expert Tip
Always brush your child's teeth for them or closely supervise your child with a toothbrush.
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Features
BPA-free materials
Most baby toothbrushes are guaranteed to be made from BPA-free materials. BPA stands for bisphenol A. It is an industrial chemical used in the production of some plastics. Although the FDA has stated that exposure to BPA is safe, many people prefer to buy products for their babies and children that contain no BPA. If this is important to you, look for a toothbrush that specifies that it is BPA-free.
Brush cover
Keeping your baby’s toothbrush free from germs and bacteria is made easier by a protective brush cover. Many baby toothbrushes come with a cover that slides over the bristles of the brush. This makes storing your baby toothbrush on the counter or in a drawer easier because you don’t have to worry about it collecting dust or germs from other items in the vicinity.
Teether
A convenient feature found on some baby toothbrushes is a teething surface. This may be located on the back of the brush head or on the handle. Some handles are even shaped like teething rings for this purpose. They’re perfect for baby to chew on when not brushing.
A teether instantly turns a single-purpose toothbrush into a dual-purpose tool. Considering the number of items new parents find themselves having to buy, this may be a desirable combination for your child.
Expert TIp
To avoid injury, always make sure your child is sitting still while brushing their teeth.
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Baby toothbrush prices
Inexpensive
From $5 to $20, you can find most styles of baby toothbrushes. The bulk of these products will be standard over-the-finger toothbrushes and toothbrushes in the traditional shape.
Mid-range
Between $20 and $35, baby toothbrushes are generally produced by smaller companies that put extra thought into the shape/engineering of the brush as well as the materials used.
Expensive
A baby toothbrush in the range of $35 to $50 will likely be either electric or imported from another country. These brushes have a number of interesting design elements, but ultimately, you need to know that they will do a good job of cleaning your baby’s teeth.
Tips
- As with any toothbrush, you should change your baby’s toothbrush every 12 weeks or so to keep germ buildup at bay.
- Oral care starts even before your child has teeth. Clean your baby’s gums after every feeding.
- When first teaching your baby about brushing, let them chew on the head of the brush to get used to the sensation of having a toothbrush in their mouth.
- Talk to your baby and toddler about the process when brushing their teeth. Fun songs can make the experience more enjoyable for them and for you.
- Even though baby toothbrushes are designed with very soft bristles, make sure to be as gentle as you can when brushing your baby’s teeth. Little gums are sensitive.
- Teach your toddler about the importance of flossing as well as brushing.
- Put on a short song, and let your baby know that brushing will be done once the song finishes.
- Give each part of the baby’s mouth a name. This can make brushing time more fun. For example, you can tell your child that it’s time for “fronty” to get brushed now.
FAQ
Q. When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
A. You can start cleaning your baby’s teeth with non-fluoride toothpaste when the child is around 18 months old.
Q. Does it really matter what toothbrush I choose for my baby?
A. Yes, it does. Every baby is different, and finding the right toothbrush for him/her is essential for teaching, at an early age, about the importance of diligent oral hygiene.
Q. When should a baby’s teeth start breaking through the gums?
A. Teething can start as early as two months of age. However, keep in mind that every baby is different.
Q. Can babies get cavities?
A. Yes. If not cared for, babies can get what is called “baby bottle tooth decay”. This means that the baby’s teeth have pits or cavities in them.
Q. What should I do if my baby hates having their teeth brushed?
A. One good way to get babies used to the idea of brushing their teeth is to let them play with the brush beforehand. If they touch and bite the brush themselves, it becomes more fun and less scary when it’s time for serious brushing.
