Do You Need To Clean A Baby’s Gums?

Paying attention to oral hygiene from an early age can make all the difference in a person’s oral hygiene. That is why it is so important to clean a baby’s gums from birth.

With this simple exercise, the child incorporates a cleansing of the oral cavity as part of the routine care of their body. When their teeth grow out, brushing is not new or unknown and it is easier to keep the teeth healthy.

In addition , baby’s gum cleansing reduces the risk of cavities and relieves tooth discomfort. Here we tell you everything you should know about this habit that is so useful when it comes to our children’s health.

Your baby’s gums

A baby’s mouth is a very important structure for their development. In the first months of life, children discover the world through the mouth and the sensations they experience through it. This is why they are so prone to put everything they find in their mouths.

A baby’s gums play a very important role in exploration and during eating. When they breastfeed, the gums interact with the tongue, which through its movements makes it possible to get the mother’s milk and to swallow it.

Inside the newborn’s mouth, the baby’s gums can be seen. This is pink mucous tissue that covers the bone on which the teeth grow. Some areas may even be uneven due to the presence of tooth germs from the future teeth below.

Some children may have small yellowish-white formations on the gums. These are tooth beads, which are a harmless change in which remnants of embryonic glandular tissue remain seated and disappear on their own over time.

The teeth will eventually occur on these structures. For all these reasons, care and attention as early as possible is very important.

To clean a baby’s gums from birth

It is very important to clean a baby’s gums as early as possible. Here are some of the benefits of incorporating this practice early into your child’s care routine:

• Disease prevention: Removal of milk residues and bacteria that remain accumulated on the tongue and gums reduces the risk of damage to the baby teeth when they come out.
• Building the habit: By getting children used to taking care of their mouths from the beginning, they avoid difficulties or resistance that can arise when you later brush your teeth. The child gets used to cleaning the mouth as part of their daily routine and enjoys the pleasant feeling of having a clean mouth.
• Massage of the gums: During gum cleansing, a pleasant massage of the mouth is given. This sensation can relieve the discomfort that irritates the little ones when their baby teeth come out.

How to clean a baby’s gums without causing pain

It can be overwhelming for parents to have to clean such a small mouth. With patience, willpower and a little practice it is possible and not so complicated. How to do it the right way.

The only supplies needed are hot water and clean washcloths. First, the adult who is to perform the task must wash his hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Then place the baby on the lap and hold the head with one hand. With the other hand, roll the clean washcloth around the index finger and wet it with warm water.

Gently open the baby’s mouth and rub the cloth over the gums in gentle circular motions. The tongue and the inside of the cheeks must also be cleaned.

Some parents find it easier to perform this task with the help of special thimble-shaped brushes. You simply stick your finger into a thimble. Because they have soft silicone brushes, the gums can be massaged and cleaned.

Once the first tooth appears in the mouth, it is time to move on to using a toothbrush. It should be small and soft to clean the teeth that appear in the mouth. The rest of the mouth can also be gently cleaned with the brush.

Once the teeth have emerged, toothpaste can also be used in minimal amounts (the size of a grain of rice). Always follow the instructions of your child’s dentist.

Some tricks to clean a baby’s gums

It can be an uncomfortable moment for some children when one wants to clean a baby’s gums. Adults should not get angry or irritated. It is very important to accompany them with love, motivate them and help them enjoy the routine so that they can gradually accept this habit.

Here are some tips that may be helpful in making cleaning your baby’s gums more comfortable:

• Songs: Singing a soothing song to soothe the child or a special song about dental care can make the task more fun.
• Be a good example: Getting an adult to brush his or her own teeth at the same time as the child is a great way to show the child the importance of oral hygiene.
• Take advantage of bath time: Cleaning your mouth during or after a relaxing bath can be a good idea. The child will be better disposed and it will be part of the care routine.
• Switch to brushing: With older children, you can switch to brushing their mouths. First, the child is given a brush so that they can practice, and then the adult completes the task.

Parents who care for their children’s mouths

Now you know that you do not have to wait for your children to get teeth before you start caring for them. Cleaning your baby’s gums can prevent complications, so it is very important to start as early as possible.

Taking care of children’s oral hygiene is crucial when it comes to guaranteeing a healthy smile in the future. With responsibility, patience and lots of love, all parents can do it.