We love this informative video by dentist, Dr. Burhenne.
Shout out to the cute star of the show, his granddaughter, Quinn. 🙂
Well, even if you don’t have young kids right now, just watching this cute baby and her charming Opa is worth it! Quinn is in an adorable red onesie, replete with matching red toothbrush and her baby legs on full display. For some reason I really like it when Opa pats Quinn on the head.
Baby Holds Toothbrush Too
Opa and grand-daughter both are holding toothbrushes. Give your child their own toothbrush to hold while you attempt to clean their teeth/mouth. What a great idea! Distraction seems to be a good 80% of parenting at times.
Pass on the toothpaste at this age though. It’s messy and can contain chemicals which may not be the best for small kids.
Keep the Experience Positive
Maybe the most important tip, and understanding he sheds, is that many parents try unsuccessfully to brush baby’s teeth and it just becomes a struggle and a chore for both of you. Make it fun! Baby needs to see you smiling and enjoying yourself — that sets the stage for everyone.
I love it that it is a relaxed setting on the couch. Dr. B. says the most important at this stage is to make it a good first experience. He then puts his toothbrush in his mouth and brushes and makes entertaining noises, takes his toothbrush out and then, like magic, Quinn mimics him and starts brushing her own teeth! Wow! Dr. B. says it’s got to be their idea, love that.
Dr. B. and Quinn are such a delight to watch. He could definitely have a second career as an entertainer.
Dr. B. says that at some point you want to grab the toothbrush (at which point he makes a grab and Quinn adorably casts her arm out to keep it from him:-) and scrub the gums.
Tips for Brushing a Baby’s Teeth:
- Use an ultra soft toothbrush so if you poke the gums there is no problem.
- Keep baby upright, don’t lie them down. If they are lying down, the gag reflex is stronger. Instinctively this is not something they will want to do. If you lie them down and they gag, you can kiss brushing your kids teeth goodbye says Dr. B.
- Hold baby up to the mirror and brush together. At this point in the video, Quinn looks at Opa brushing his teeth and happily continues brushing her own. Awwww!
- Model good teeth brushing (brush and floss your teeth often).
Kids will need you to brush their teeth after every meal until at least age 6, 7 or 8.
Honestly, I love Dr. B.’s approach. Would it be a stretch to say this kind of approach could be used in parenting older kids and teens and life in general? I think not. Thank you to the wonderful Dr. Burhenne.
About Us
Visit us at Kits Family Dental in Vancouver, BC. We specialize in children’s dentistry and love seeing our youngest patients.
We have lots of experience helping to keep children, and parents too, calm at the dental office.
Contact Us
604-738-1816 | info@kitsfamilydental.com
Learn how to clean your baby’s teeth and more. This is Dr. B.’s YouTube channel. We’re not surprised that he has over 9,000 subscribers! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmiL82f0fyuKYizyfXzMC_g
