When should we start brushing our baby's teeth?

Question

Our infant is 11 mos old and 4 teeth have come out so far. When should we start brushing? I say when all of his teeth come out and when he's capable of understanding us & capable of spitting. Right now, he won't let us even put a spoon in his mouth so brushing would be agonizing for everyone involved.

Answer 1

You should start brushing his teeth right as soon as possible. Orajel makes a baby tooth cleaner that is safe for babies to swallow, and they sell it in a combination pack with baby toothbrushes. If he won't tolerate a toothbrush, use a baby washcloth. Get it wet, put some of the tooth cleanser on it and use your finger to clean his little teeth and his gums. Give him the toothbrush to chew on and get used to the texture (but only while being supervised, he could hurt himself crawling or walking with a toothbrush in his mouth). It's important, though, to clean his teeth twice a day, not only to prevent cavities, but also to get him used to the toothbrush and the concept of having his teeth cleaned.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You're really supposed to start brushing children's teeth as soon as they get them. The sooner you start and make it a regular habit, the easier it will be in the future. Neglecting little one's teeth can be disasterous and cause problems with decay and gum disease...even less fun than brushing. There are toothbrushes for babies that you can slide over your finger and they're very soft so there's no disicomfort involved. Also, a nice fruity toothpaste (without flouride until at least 24 mo.) will help sweeten the deal. You don't have to worry about spitting as long as you use the flouride-free toothpastes.

If you wait until he has all of his teeth, that will be at about 6 years old (the age when the last molar usually appears) and he'll have had 3 teeth pulled already due to cavities.

Answer 3

Now. Doesn't he eat baby food or some other type of food? He should be by now. He is already old enough to understand a lot of what you say. He just doesn't want you to know it. However, he won't be capable of spitting most likely for a while yet. They make baby toothpastes that it is okay that they don't spit it out. Start trying, tell him what you are going to do but don't leave it open for an argument or discussion. No shouldn't be an option so don't let it be. Just do a little bit the first try til he gets used to it. Good luck

Answer 4

Try a damp cloth or even a dry, soft cloth on the end of your finger. No toothpaste needed. Just wipe the teeth as best you can.

I don't use toothpaste of any kind until my children are older, and understand how to spit it out. We have not had any tooth decay issues. Our dentist usually likes to see them when they turn 4, unless we have a concern.

Answer 5

They have baby brushes that are made of rubber....At 12 months he is old enough to visit the dentist....If you feel that you will have a hard time brushing his teeth bc of his age....Get a damp wash cloth and try to get him to chew on it..the damo cloth rubbing against him teeth and gums will have the same affect as a tooth brush at this age...

Answer 6

You start as soon as he starts getting teeth. There are "finger" tooth brushes that you can ask for at the pharmacy (they're just like the ones you can get for brushing dogs teeth) They fit on yuor fingers and you stick your finger in the baby's mouth and brush their teeth. When they are older you start teaching them how to use a regular tooth brush...amazing isn't it?

Answer 7

You need to brush as soon as they get their 1st tooth, formula , juice etc can cause serious tooth decay! Buy a Oral B baby finger tip bruh & Oral B baby tooth gel..it is safe to swallow no need to spit. And you will avoide costly baby cavities. Also post pediatric dentists think they should be seen as soon as they have 2 to 4 teeth, a check up will get him used to the dentist & allow the dentist to make sure your baby is getting adiquate calcium to develope healthy teeth (bones too)

Answer 8

I think that you are supposed to wipe of his gums before any teeth come in with a wet washcloth and then once they got teeth you are supposed to brush their teeth with a toothbrush or use a wet washcloth.They make toothpaste just for babies.I use oral-b stages baby tooth and gum cleaner for my daughter.I brush my daughters teeth everyday and she loves it.

Answer 9

You should start immediately. They make special baby toothpaste so that if and WHEN they DO swallow it, it wont harm them. Rather than use a normal toothbrush, see if you can find the baby ones that you put on your finger. Also, let HIM do it too. Let him play with the toothbrush while COMPLETELY supervised.

Let him see that a toothbrush is a fun thing. It'll be easier to fight with him now while he's young rather than wait until you have a real battle on your hands.

Answer 10

As soon as they get teeth you need to brush them! And remember, your first trip to the dentist shold be between the first tooth and the first birthday! Better make his appointment bc he is due!! Agonizing is right, but its gotta be done!