When did you start brushing your child's teeth?

Question

How did you do it? Also, when did your child first go to the dentist? Thanks for any tips.

Answer 1

At just a few months age, it is a good idea to wipe your baby's mouth with a cloth or gauze or one of those fingertip brushes for that a) the very delicate baby teeth that do come in do not rot from the milk (and eventually food) that is left in the mouth and b) it allows the baby to get used to you always getting in his/her mouth (which will be a bit of a challenge at times as those teeth start popping through the gums). Once or twice a day is recommended by pediatricians. I have read that you should bring the children to the dentist when they first get their teeth; however, my sister (who is a hygienist) told me it is really not necessary if you are cleaning the mouth regularly and they do not appear to be having any problems. It can be very difficult to get a child to sit for the dentist, especially at an early age.

Answer 2

Have three sons and all went to the dentist around 2 years old. They recommend that they go when they get their first few teeth but I had no problem waiting until 2.

We did start brushing right after they got their first teeth. Brush with just a wet toothbrush made for babies or toddlers. Toothpaste is not safe for young ones. They may swallow too much. Beginning brushing early helps get them used to brushing and the routine of doing it a few times a day. Very important to brush if they are drinking juice. Juices are high in sugar and can cause all kinds of teeth problems when they are older!

Answer 3

as soon as her teeth came in. They sell baby toothbrushes that are very soft. Use a small bit of toothpaste on in. After a short while they will enjoy brushing their teeth especially if you make a fun game out of it. I took may daughters to the dentist at around 2 years old. It depends on how long your child can sit still. Go to a children's dentist since they are better equipped and are generally more patient than a regular dentist.

Answer 4

Im a nurse, I stared before she got a tooth. I started with a rubber glove on my hand, it doesnt hurt but give the sensation of what you are doing. She got used to that, then I moved up to a baby brush. She never faught it in the least.

She cut her first tooth very early, I took her to the dentist when she was 8 months old, 16 months , 24 months, 32 months and so on until the age of 4. Then she went every 6 months.

She loves going to the dentist. Now the Dr. she hates. She will scream and though a fit when ever we have to go. She is now 6.

Answer 5

I started before they got teeth actually by wiping their gums with a clean, soft, wet wash cloth. Then as they got their first tooth, I would use the little fingertip brush and gently brush it with cool water. As they got older, with more teeth, I used the infant tooth brush with the tooth and gum cleanser. I started my kids going to the dentist at 18 months old. They see their dentist once a year for a routine cleaning. My younger ones use a small child sized tooth brush and Colgate kids tooth paste and I let them brush their teeth with my supervision and I will give them a good once over myself after they have brushed. I also use the ACT for kids fluoride rinse with them. They are old enough now to spit well, so I know it won't hurt them.

Answer 6

As soon as she got her first tooth, I brushed it. I used a baby toothbrush, but that didn't work so well. So I bought the finger brush and that has been great. Our daughter got her first tooth at 4 months and she is now 14 months and she still hates getting her teeth brushed. We haven't been to the dentist yet. Start as soon as the baby gets a tooth. You can do permanent damage to the gums and teeth if you don't brush.

Answer 7

I used the little rubber thing you get with the baby toothpaste and rubbed it on their gums starting at a few months of age. The dentist recommended that kids start going to see a dentist when they are 4 unless there is something wrong before then. Good Luck! ~T~

Answer 8

As soon as they got them!! One of the easiest things to do with really young babies is to make sure they drink a bit of water after their milk or formula - especially at night. You can also use a soft washcloth and water to brush.

Of course, my kids didn't get teeth until they were at least 8 months old, so we just went straight to a baby toothbrush and toothpaste. Many different brands like Oral B, Crest and Colgate offer age appropriate products. You can also get cool little flossers to help when they're old enough for that. Makes it much more fun for them!!

As far as the dentist goes, I would always take my younger ones to watch when the older ones were going, but they were never quite ready to sit and open their mouths until they were about 3 or 4. Talk to your dentist and see what he or she recommends. Lots of schools want the children checked when they go to Kindergarten, so definitely by then. Earlier is better since you really want to teach good habits when they're young!!

Answer 9

I started when she started getting teeth, I used a wash cloth at first then a friend who is a pediatric dentist recommended (and this is going to sound weird but it works) those "finger brushes" that are used to clean dogs teeth. They are much easier than trying to hold a squirming toddler down to use a regular tooth brush.

Answer 10

I start the minute they have their first teeth
with a baby toothbrush
dentist when they start having at least 10 teeth
now I take them every six month for clean up