Smile Baby, Smile!

It's never too early to start practicing healthy dental habits with your little one. I couldn't believe that over 40% of 2-to-5 year olds have dental cavities, and that number has been steadily increasing over the past few years. There is no reason not to take a proactive approach in preventing early and future dental cavities as soon as your baby is born. Don't wait until they are older, because by then it may already be too late. 

There are plenty of ways you can keep your baby's gums and teeth as healthy as possible. Below, I will be sharing my top three baby oral and dental products that I have used and currently using with my 14-month-old son Elías. I will list their pros and cons, and any other suggestions I have for each of them.  If you have used these or any other ones I don't have listed here, and you would like to share your thoughts about them, please let me know, the more feedback the better. :-D

1. Oral Care Rabbit made by MAM

 

This cute and easy-to-use product comes in a nice blue or pretty pink color. It can be used as soon as your baby is born, which is what I did. I would just place my index finger through one of the ears and run it along his upper and lower gums, and sometimes if I was lucky, I could get his little tongue too. I used this as soon as I was home with him and up until he got his first set of baby teeth at around 4 months. 

PROS: 

BPA free, soft material gentle on sensitive and tender gums, easily washed by hand or in a washing machine, appealing to baby, and distracts baby from uncomfortable teething. 

CONS:

Baby can close down pretty hard and hurt your finger (TIP* Use caution, and do in segments. May be easier if someone else is holding baby).

2. Spiffies 

These baby toothwipes come in a variety of great tasting flavors such as grape, apple, and mango. They are soaked in a Xylitol solution, which is a natural and safe way in preventing the onset of cavities. I started using these as soon as the first teeth erupted, right around 4 months. I would use them twice a day (morning and night, after his milk and/or meal). I continue to use them today but only at night. I suggest cutting the wipe into two and using one packet daily, since they are pricey. To use, wrap the wipe tightly around the index finger and with a circular motion run it along the front and back of the gums and any teeth that are present. Discard after use. 

PROS:

Safe,convenient, easy-to-use, taste appealing for babies, can be chilled for use on tender gums.

CONS:

Pricey (about $15 per box of 20 wipes) , infant can bite down on finger, leaves finger feeling sticky. 

3. Learn to Brush Set made by MAM

This ideal brushing kit comes in a royal blue, lime green, or a fuschia pink. It comes with 2 brushes, the one with the long handle for use by parent and child to learn proper brushing method, and the the smaller toothbrush for use by the child once he or she learns to brush independently. It also comes with a safety shield to keep the brush away from the back of the baby's mouth. 

I am currently using the long handle toothbrush and shield with Elías twice a day. I do not use toothpaste right now, because I feel that it is not yet neccessary, especially since I am still using the Spiffies at night for the xylitol benefit. I will let you know when and what toothpaste I choose to use in the near future. ;-) 

PROS:

BPA Free, team-work emphasis makes for an easier and more successful outcome, rounded and compact head for comfort, red bristles indicate proper amount of toothpaste, other end of long brush has a gum massager so baby can use on tender gums.

CONS:

Thin handle on smaller brush can be harder to use for small hands, but other than that, great product! 

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I hope these products come in handy for your little bundle of joy,or for other loved ones that may benefit from them as well. Put them together in a cute bag or basket and take as a baby shower gift and spread the reason for babies and mommies to smile alike!