Babys have very sensitive gums and you need to be careful when cleaning them. The softness of baby gums and their sensitivity makes it necessary to use a gentle cleaning tool that cannot cause damage. The kind of tool you use to clean your baby’s gums and teeth determines how safe and effective the process is.
One of the most commonly used cleaning tool is a washcloth. Thanks to its softness, a washcloth is a reliable cleaning tool for baby gums. However, there have been concerns as to whether a washcloth provides solid cleaning on baby gums.
The Effectiveness of a Washcloth
Given the delicate state of a baby’s gums, a washcloth is a preferred cleaning item. To use it, gently wipe the baby’s gums using a soft and clean washcloth. As much as a washcloth is convenient, it can sometimes not provide solid cleaning. This is because you might fail to cover all areas and end up leaving some bacteria.
Furthermore, some types of washcloths are not comfortable enough, making it painful for the baby. It can be challenging to clean the gums when the baby is crying and uncomfortable. This is why you should use a washcloth alongside other cleaning methods for baby gums.
If your baby has grown a few front teeth, you can start using a toothbrush. There are baby toothbrushes with not more than three rows of soft bristles. These brushes will do an effective jobs and will help get rid of bacteria that the washcloth might have missed.
If you decide to use a toothbrush, it is important that you change it every two to four months because bacteria can build up on it. You should also avoid using excess toothpaste because it is dangerous.