How do I properly care for my 11 month-old's teeth?

Question

So...should I be brushing them every day? It's difficult obviously but that won't stop me.

Answer 1

Right now you should brush them every day w/ either a wet washcloth or a little baby toothbrush. You don't need toothpaste or any of that stuff (the infant toothpaste is insanely expensive anyway!). The important thing right now is not really keeping them clean as much as getting them in the habit early of regular brushing. Getting them used to the sensation now will make it easier once they're ready to REALLY start brushing their teeth.

One thing to remember about caring for a baby's teeth, NEVER give them a bottle in bed! Falling asleep w/ a bottle in their mouth can not only impact the shape of their mouth, but it can also give them "milk rot" from milk sitting in their mouths all night.

Answer 2

Teeth should be cared for even before they appear. A tooth brush makes a great teething toy. Yes you should brush them but use a tooth paste that doesn't have a bad taste. Children are more sensitive to tastes than adults and as good as it is for your teeth Crest has a power full taste.
You should also take your child to the dentist at 1 year and every 6 months to a year after that.

Answer 3

I just starting doing that with my baby. I bought one of those finger brushes and try to at least get in there and scrub a little twice a day, it is very difficult. You can also do it while they are sleeping with a washcloth or the toothbrush because the baby toothpaste can be swallowed (idea from the box of toothpaste) In my opinion it will be easier to hold them down for this then it would be to have baby teeth cavities filled. Good Luck

Answer 4

I use an infant brush and a gel made my Oral-B. It is made to cleanse the teeth without having to rinse the baby's mouth out...that would be the most difficult part. My daughter is 9mos. I started as soon as the first tooth came at 6mos. She still only has 2 teeth. But I want her to have healthy teeth.

Answer 5

MY baby has just started cutting some teeth. I try to brush at least once a day. She only has two teeth right now. I need to get in a routine. At least once a day everyday. I have been doing it every other day but I know we need to start doing it more

And you do not need to use baby toothpaste. Water and a baby toothbrush is fine. Just to get the sugars and stuff off. I asked my doctor

Answer 6

Brush them in the morning and at night before bed. Use non-flouride toothpaste. Don't let him drink a bottle and go to bed without brushing first. You can make it fun with a neat toothbrush and sing songs while you brush teeth. Let him brush first then you can do a liitle to make sure they're clean.

Answer 7

you should at least let the baby play with the tooth brish everyday. This will teach them how to brush. Make sure you get in there and brush really well when you can. But letting them try and do it is best as well

Answer 8

i say brush twice a day. i use those oragel things that we moms can just put on our finger and then brush so much easier and my little boy doesnt mind this the brushes hurt his gums. hes now turning two and he brushes on his own and then i dont the finger brush after. so works out good you just need to make it fun for him.. sing a song brush together or something.

Answer 9

Brush them twice a day

Answer 10

We never did. Kids have great teeth, much to the chagrin of many a dentist.

I'd say you could start teaching him to swipe them down with a tooth brush now, then he will have a good routine, and he can perfect it between now and being a toddler.