When is a good time to start brushing your baby's teeth? Immediately, or after they've all come in?

Question

...and what type/brand toothpaste do you recommend? My husband and I use "Tom's of Maine" for ourselves, but I'm concerned that it will be too overpowering for my one year old. Anything out there that's not loaded with sugar/saccharine/nastiness?

Thanks.

Answer 1

You need to start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they come in. They're susceptible to cavities like everyone else. You can't use your toothpaste on the baby though because it likely contains flouride, which you do not want your baby to swallow. Oral-B makes a great baby toothpaste that's fruit flavored (my son LOVES it - he's always trying to get the cap off to eat it) They also make a nice little baby toothbrush. I recommend getting those and using them. It's important to start good habits right away, so make sure you keep up with it.

Happy Mothering :)

Answer 2

A good time to start brushing baby's teeth is before they have them! DON'T use toothpaste for the first couple of years (they just swallow it anyways!!), just a wet washcloth or even your finger on their gums. Once they have teeth, a "baby toothbrush" is great...once they are a little older, say about 2, you can try Crest's kid's toothpaste, or a similar brand.

Answer 3

You don't need to "brush" them, necessarily, you can clean them with a small cloth, but brushing is fine, as long as it is an infant brush.

Don not use adult or children's toothpaste. They make infant toothpaste, look for it with the baby stuff at any major store.

Click on this link to see a safety toothbrush. They are oval shaped, like a teether, so they cannot jam it down their throat and/or choke on it. It is easier for them to hold it themselves also, so that they get used to brushing on their own.

Kind of expensive, but if you are really concerned, it's only a one time expense.

Answer 4

We started brushing our son's gums, before he even had teeth. Don't give him regular toothpaste. Orajel makes a mouth cleanser that you can find in the baby section of the store. It comes with a little finger brush. Start early so they can get used to the motion. My son is 17 months old, and he gets awful morning breath. If nothing else, brush just so they don't start stinking! My son went through a phase where he didn't want us to brush, but he's used to it now. Start them early!

Answer 5

you should start brushing right away... just because there are no teeth does not mean that germs aren't in the mouth... oral gel makes a great toothpaste with out fluoride since swallowing fluoride is not a good thing. Once your child can spit out toothpaste you can find a good children's toothpaste.

Answer 6

You shouldn't use toothpaste to begin with. My dentist said for that you should wait til they understand to spit it out and that just using the brush was fine til about 2and a half to 3 yrs old. (They need to be going to the dentist by then too) As far as the brand both my kids hate the adult kinds so we get them bubblegum flavored kids stuff. (There's other "kid" flavors too if you think that would cause a problem for being too sugary)

Answer 7

You should start brushing your babies teeth as soon as they come in.Any Flouride Free toothpaste.I use orajel toothpaste and gum cleaner,found in baby section.He is 14mths and i brush his teeth twice a day normally while he's in the tub and he loves it.No flouride until they are old enough to spit it out.It is not good for them.They are getting enough from the water,as long as it is not well.Also my doc.uses a sealent on his teeth every 3-6 mths to protect them.

Answer 8

you should start brushing your childs teeth as soon as the first tooth comes in, their gums also need to be brushed. but you shouldnt use regular toothpaste until the child is able to spit it out. i use a toothpaste made by baby orajel my daughter likes the taste of it making it easier. it is sold in the baby section.

Answer 9

i agree.. as soon as they start coming in. oral-b baby is good.
its also more than just brushing their teeth, but brushing their gums, tongue and such... in the beginning youj don't need to go all out with the brand of toothpaste or toothbrush, a simple clean rag or even your finger will do.

Answer 10

you should start "brushing" or wiping down the inside of their mouth with a cloth or a finger brush but don't use any baby tooth paste until they get their first tooth. you should make sure you clean every where in the mouth because it prevents them from getting thrush which is very painful. it's very important.