When you brush your babies/toddlers teeth do you use toothpaste?

Question

Do you use a dry brush?
Do you use something like baking powder, peroxide or salt?
Do you use a commercial toothpaste? If so which one?
Are you concerned about any of the ingredients such as colour, sweetners, flavour?
Are there any active ingredients you think work best?
How old was your child when you started using toothpaste?
How many times a day do you brush your child's teeth? How old are they?

*lol* Anything else you want to share?

Just trying to get some info to make some decisions.

Thanks!

OK I know they have special baby toothpastes but they contain things like sorbitol which I don't like. And I try to avoid synthetic flavours and food colouring.

Also some claim to have active enzymes and all sorts of stuff.

I'm not a complete idiot.

Thanks Amalthea at least the Earth's best doesn't have sorbitol.

Answer 1

You really don't need toothpaste for a toddler's teeth. As you said, there are baby toothpastes. I generally just use the one that comes in a package with the toothbrush (gerber.) Or, I just wet the brush and go with that. Its mostly the brushing action that is important, not the paste.

You should NOT use regular commercial toothpaste until the child is significantly older (at least old enough to rinse and spit just like you do.) The excess flouride and some other ingredients are not good for them.

I have not checked the ingredient list, but one kind I use is by "Earth's Best." They have a whole line of wonderful organic/chemical free baby products. I found them when I was searching for a sunscreen w/o paba and methylparaben... off topic, sorry.
Earth's Best is marketed both under that name and their parent company which is JASON and makes "natural" products for adults. (see website below) I found the sunscreen on Amazon.com, and my local grocery store (Wegmans) carries the toothpaste as well.

Twice a day is usually pretty good for toothbrushing for toddlers. In the morning and at night (my opinion). Nighttime is the most important. And, try not to let them have any formula, milk, juice, etc. after they brush and before bed... water only. The whole idea is to not let them go all night with those sugars sitting on their teeth and munching away at the enamel.

Good luck to you. Whatever you do, its just good to do it. It starts to form good hygeine habits that your child will carry with them all through life.

Answer 2

I started brushing my daughter's gums when she was about a month old I think. I think it's recommended to do it before they get teeth because their gums will be healthier which will lead to better overall dental health. Also, when they are teething, having clean gums will decrease the likelihood for infection. They have baby toothpaste to use until the child is 2 (flouride-free). In the baby section of most stores you can find it with the thermometers, pacifiers, nail clippers, etc. Some come with infant toothbrushes that are like little rubber things that fit over your fingers with really soft rubber bristles on the fingertip part. You just slip it over your finger and put the paste on the bristles just like you would a toothbrush.

Answer 3

Yes. Even before your baby sports his first tooth, it's a good idea to get into the habit of wiping his gums with gauze or a soft WET washcloth during bath time. You don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Simply wrap the cloth or gauze around your index finger and rub it gently over the gums.

Bacteria in the mouth usually can't harm the gums before the teeth emerge, but it can be hard to tell when the teeth are starting to push through, so you'll want to start early. Getting your baby used to having his mouth cleaned as part of his daily routine should make it easier to transition into toothbrushing later on.
What's the best way to brush my baby's teeth after they start coming in?
As your child's teeth start to appear (generally around 6 months), look for a baby toothbrush with a small bristle head and larger grip suitable for your hand. (If your child is healthy and still hasn't sprouted his first tooth by the end of his first year, don't worry — some children don't start getting them until 15 to 18 months.)

As long as you're cleaning your child's teeth regularly, you don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Just brush the teeth gently on both the outside and inside surfaces twice a day. Brush his tongue as well (if he'll let you) to dislodge the bacteria that can cause bad breath. One quick swipe is enough. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn or splayed out.
When does my baby need fluoride and how can I tell if he's getting the right amount?
Your baby's developing teeth can benefit from a little fluoride. This mineral helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acids and harmful bacteria. Most municipal water supplies are fortified with fluoride (you can call your local water authority to find out about yours). Bottled water suppliers can also tell you about the fluoride content of their water.

If you get your water from a well, you might consider buying a test kit from your local health department, a hardware store, or a pharmacy. If the results show a fluoride content of less than .3 parts per million, ask your child's doctor whether you should give your child a fluoride supplement (the amount recommended for children under 3 is .25 milligrams per day). She can prescribe fluoride in the form of drops that you can add to your baby's bottle or cereal once a day. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend fluoride supplements for babies under 6 months old.
for more info pls send e-mail!
regards

Answer 4

My 14 month old uses a toothbrush and children's toothpaste, she started using it about 2 mos ago. We use less than a pea sized amount and we brush at least 2 times a day. My 2 yr old uses the same kind of brush/paste only we put the pea sized amount on her brush. And she brushes 2-3 times a day. Both w/ help, of course. We let them brush first and we brush second. As for my 14 month old, she just pretty much swallows and chews on the bristles, but we try to keep her mouth clean. My 2 yr old, brushes and spits and rinses w/ water. And they both love to brush their teeth. :)

Answer 5

Well, if you really want a great answer ask a dentist, I know that sounds stupid to say but they know whats healthy and whats not...but I use tooth paste on my 2 year old, its called Oral B Stages, on my 8 month old i use a wet finger brush no tooth paste...but you use whatever you think is the best for your child, I personally think dental hygiene is very important even for infants and you should do what you feel is safe and effective...obviously your a great mom because you think of the ups and downs of tooth paste and probably everything else for your child no one here can really give you the answer you desire, so go with your instincts and talk to a dentist he can tell you the proper way to care for your childs teeth!!!

Answer 6

I have 3 kids and i started cleaning their teeth as soon as i saw the first tooth come in. johnsons, i think, makes a special toothpaste type thing for babies and toddlers that is safe for them since they tend to swallow. Also with the toothpase for babies sometimes called toddler paste they come with a rubber thing that you can put on your finger to clean the babies teeth. If not a soft rag is ok. I gave my kids a tooth brush for their 2nd birthday and taught them and i always went re brushed them just to make sure they did a good job. Do not use mouthwash of course. Also check with your pediatrician and see if your local tap water has floride in it. Most bottle water does not. If your local tap water does not have floride have your pediatrician write a script for floride to help keep the lil ones teeth healthy. Hope this helps. :)

Answer 7

I have a 10 month old and we brush her teeth every morning and night. We use a baby toothbrush (stage one) with a tiny dab of baby toothpaste gel (made by Oragel). It is actually a clear gel and it tastes a little fruity. I only use like half a pea size dab, if not less.

She actually enjoys it, but it is sometimes difficult to get to her bottom from teeth since she sticks her toungue out and is always trying to suck on the toothbrush.

Answer 8

I am a mother of seven, I started brushing as soon as they had teeth. You would use a baby toothbrush, and a pea size amount of toothpaste. Just make sure they don't swallow it. I brushed my kids teeth twice daily. There is a toothpaste made by Oral B for kids.Oh!, and make sure you don't put your fingers in too far, as they have a chance to bite you!

Answer 9

With my two kids we just used a wet brush until six months after they had started eating solid food.

Kids can't spit easily. They'll swallow any toothpaste that you put on there. Especially if it's sweet! ;)

Wait until they have been eating solids for a about six months, then you'll know that their stomachs and intestines are all working well.

Use just a teeney tiny bit. Like a small pea size amount on a soft brush.

Ask the dentist that you go to what brands are recommended.
She/He will set you right.

Answer 10

When they're infants you really dont need toothpaste-- just one of those little finger brushes to make them used to the feel of having their gums/teeth brushed.

When they're a little older and starting to eat other foods, yes, you can use a little pea-sized amount of specially formulated "infant toothpaste" which has no fluoride in it. It has xylitol which is good for keeping teeth clean, but no fluoride-- which can harm them if swallowed. Check your drugstore or supermarket for "infant, fluoride-free" toothpaste. It's more expensive, but it's swallowable.