can we start finger brush with toothpaste or without toothpaste for a 1 year four month baby

Question

Accepted Answer

For a 1-year-4-month-old baby, it's generally safe to start using a finger brush for oral care. Here’s how you can approach it:

### **Using a Finger Brush:**

1. **Without Toothpaste Initially:**
   - **Starting Simple**: Begin using the finger brush without toothpaste. Just gently brush your baby's teeth and gums with water to get them used to the sensation of brushing.
   - **Routine Building**: This helps in building a brushing routine and getting your baby comfortable with the process.

2. **With Toothpaste:**
   - **Choose the Right Toothpaste**: Once your baby is accustomed to the finger brush, you can introduce a small amount of fluoride-free toothpaste specifically designed for infants. These toothpastes are safe if swallowed in small amounts.
   - **Amount to Use**: Use only a tiny smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to avoid excessive fluoride ingestion.

### **Tips:**
- **Frequency**: Brush your baby’s teeth twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bedtime.
- **Gentle Brushing**: Be gentle while brushing to avoid irritating your baby’s gums.
- **Early Dental Visits**: Schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure your baby’s teeth and gums are healthy.

Starting with a finger brush is a good way to introduce oral hygiene practices to your baby, and gradually incorporating toothpaste helps in establishing good dental habits early on.