At Mother & Baby, we want to help your baby stay healthy and happy. As for oral health, that’s an important step for your little one’s growth. Some of us will know difficult teething can be. This is why we’ve put together a little guide to baby finger toothbrushes and our favourites that are available right now.
When will my baby’s teeth start coming?
Well, as you may know, a child’s primary teeth are already there, in the jaw, at birth. These will start to show through the gums once your little one reaches around four to six months old. By the age of three, your child should have a full set of 20 teeth.
These are the usual signs that your baby has started teething:
• Trying to chew and bite things
• Bringing their hands to their mouth
• Swollen and tender gums
• Often fussy and crying
• Drooling
• Change in their eating or sleeping pattern
It’s never too early to start caring for your baby’s teeth as this will prevent decay and gum disease.
How can I keep my little one’s teeth and gums healthy?
Here are some tips to keep your little one’s teeth and gums healthy:
• Use a clean dummy
• Use a finger-brush or regular baby toothbrush
• Avoid giving your baby sugary drinks
• Do not share spoons with your baby
Practising proper oral hygiene habits are essential even for your little one.
When should I start using a finger toothbrush for my baby?
Even if your little one hasn’t started teething yet, you can start using a baby toothbrush. With a regular cleaning from a baby toothbrush, their mouth will become a healthy environment for growth – and free from any nasty bacteria.
Read More: When to start brushing baby teeth
The best baby finger toothbrushes 2022
1 of 7Baby Finger Toothbrush (Set of 3)
Suitable For: 0-2 Years
Material: Soft Silicone
Review: "It had been a battle to brush my 15 month old's teeth until I got these fab finger brushes. I gave him one to hold whilst I brushed his teeth with one of the others. It was the most calm that he has ever been during teeth brushing. The space designs are cool and I loved that the brushes came with a small case. Excellent buy!"
2 of 7Safe + Sound Finger Toothbrush & Teething Relief Gum Massager
Suitable For: 0-18 Months
Material: Silicone
Review: "The product was as described, competitive price, very fair shipping fee, good communication and fast delivery. Brilliant!"
3 of 7Jack N' Jill Silicone Finger Brush (Pack of 2)
Suitable for: 6-12 Months
Material: Silicone
Review: “Excellent, I love these soft, lovely little brushes, they are just what I needed and from an environmentally friendly company, thank you.”
4 of 7edealing Soft Safe Baby Toothbrush (Pack of 3)
Suitable for: 0-3 Years
Material: Silicone
Review: “Absolutely love as a first ‘toothbrush’ for baby. My baby was so frustrated and upset with the regular baby toothbrush but this has made cleaning his teeth so easy and he actually enjoys having them cleaned with this. Great purchase."
5 of 7Baby Soft Finger Toothbrush
Suitable for: 0-3 Years
Material: BPA Free Silicone
Review: “Five stars."
6 of 7mushie Baby Finger Toothbrush (Pack of 2)
Suitable for: 0-3 Years
Material: BPA Free Silicone
Review: “Helped our little one. It’s now a routine for her every morning and evening. Good product."
7 of 7Vicloon Finger Toothbrush (Pack of 6)
Suitable for: 0-24 Months
Material: BPA Free Silicone
Review: “My babies like these brushes and they are easier than traditional toothbrush on tiny teeth! The six brushes come with their own plastic boxes to keep them clean and safe. We found them easy to use and they fit on my fingers perfectly."
FAQs
Why are finger toothbrushes good for my baby?
Cleaning your child’s teeth with a baby finger toothbrush is vital for keeping up their oral hygiene. At Mother & Baby, we love finger toothbrushes because they’re a clever way to set a good routine for your little one. They’ll be able to understand the importance of oral health from an early age. Plus, they will relieve your little one from any discomfort.
How do I use a finger toothbrush for my little one?
If you need some guidance, here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a finger toothbrush.
Use a gentle flannel to wipe your baby’s gums. Be as gentle as you can be with this step. Make sure you don’t forget under the lip. This is essential in reducing bacteria in the mouth.
Soak the finger toothbrush in warm water for a few minutes. If you’re wondering why this step is necessary, soaking is important for softening the bristles. Gently does it.
Use a tiny amount of toothpaste. Advice mentions the size of a “grain of rice”.
Show your child how to spit out the toothpaste. Though fluoride is safe for children, they should avoid ingesting it. Swallowing it can cause a tummy ache. It’s best to avoid that. So, make sure they spit out after brushing.
Hopefully, this helps with your little one’s routine.
Are there any other ways I can help my infant with teething?
Though there are many ways to help your baby, we suggest giving your child teethers or toys.
If they have something to chew on, it can ease their teething pains. That’s very important.