How do u clean your 1 year old's teeth?

Question

my baby turned one not to long ago but only 2 of her teeth are fully grown. the top two are starting to show but havnt popped through yet. Did u clean your baby's teeth? Did u brush it or get a cloth and wipe it down? I was wondering if i should brush it or not.

Answer 1

I started cleaning her teeth as soon as she got them.

She just is about to turn 1.
I got the baby toothpaste with the litte toddler brush at Wal-Mart. We brush in the kitchen at the sink. For now, I sit her in her highchair (no straps or tray as I am right there) because that gives me both hands free to brush with. I put the tooth gel on her little brush and she opens right away. I start with the bottom, as she is more used to that (they came in first). We brush the bottom 2 teeth, then I hold her mouth open by placing one finger on her gums next to her bottom teeth. While gently holding her mouth open (otherwise she bites the toothbrush) I brush the top two. Then I let go and we do the bottom ones again, since she seems to not mind that at all. She is getting more used to it and tries to bite the brush a little less each time.
We do this morning and night. When she gets a few more teeth, we will brush after she eats all meals/snacks.

Answer 2

You can start cleaning by wiping the gums down, but now that she has some teeth go ahead and brush them. Use a baby toothpaste, it is flouride free. Most of them come with a finger brush to use. It may be hard at first to get in there, especially to the back when she gets more teeth in. Try making a game out of it. You can do a counting game, or sing the abc's. I always did a game where I would ask my kids what animals are in their mouth and then we would brush them out. That works when they are older.

Answer 3

Brushing baby's teeth - tips for choosing a toothbrush
As soon as baby's first tooth erupts, it's time to buy a good toothbrush. The best type to use at first is a long handled brush with a small head. This design makes it easy to reach all areas of your baby's mouth.
Your baby's toothbrush should have rounded, soft filaments. You should replace it every 10-12 weeks, or sooner if the filaments become splayed.

Another option is to use a specially designed infant toothbrush that fits over your finger. Some babies seem to prefer this type... but beware! If your baby is a biter, a toothbrush of this type offers your vulnerable finger very little protection!

As your baby grows and wants to hold the brush himself, then it's a good idea to buy him one with a chunky handle. This will be easier for him to hold - but, of course, you will still need to do the majority of the brushing yourself!


Brushing baby's teeth - toothpaste and fluoride
It isn't absolutely essential to use toothpaste to clean your baby's teeth - the brushing action itself is actually the most important part of keeping them clean. If you prefer to use toothpaste, then you should choose one that is designed specifically for infants, because they contain very little fluoride. In fact, the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines suggest that babies under the age of 2 receive NO fluoride at all.
Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel of teeth. However, too much of it can cause fluorosis, which is a condition where white spots can appear on the permanent teeth. If you use an adult toothpaste to brush your baby's teeth, which contains the amount of fluoride recommended for adults, you run the risk of him developing fluorosis. This is because babies tend to swallow rather a lot of toothpaste during brushing and are thereby swallowing excess fluoride.

Answer 4

Yes! brush them 2 times a day. In the morning after breakfast and before they go to bed. Use a soft bristle tooth brush or there are also rubber finger tip thingies that you just slip over your finger and rub the teeth. Not only will brushing early prevent decay and disease but it will become common routine and when they get older you wont have to fight them to get them to brush. Oh and easiest way. Lay the child on the floor or on your lap so you can see better. After wards play with the child, belly kisses tickling, or whatever so the look forward to it and don't fight you too bad. Good luck.

Answer 5

I have a 15 month old and I have been 'brushing' his teeth since he began teething. I used an infant tootbrush, and have now switched to a toddler one. For toothpaste, I use toddler toothpaste without fluoride. He has 4 teeth on top and 4 for on bottom.

Answer 6

You should use a brush, or a brush that slips over your finger (like a thimble kinda).

There is no need to use toothpaste, you can not obviously use fluoride which is toxic. You can use baby toothpaste but many of them contain ingredients I would not give my child, but it is your call. Xylitol is good for teeth FYI. Also you can use a touch of baking soda which is good at cleaning and neutrilizes acid.

Answer 7

yes, you should definately brush her teeth. it can be challenging because some kids hate it. they sell a toothbrush meant for babies/toddlers that goes on your finger to make things easier. or if that doesnt work for you there are plenty of toddler toothbrushes. just be sure that you only use non fluoride toothpaste, which is sold by the baby stuff along with the baby toothbrushes. good luck.

Answer 8

they have tooth past for a baby now with a soft brush thing that goes on your finger. and you can even just buy the tooth past and a small brush in the baby sections of stores. that works better than a wash cloth or a big toothbrush and the tooth past is safe to swallow

Answer 9

Yes of course you should brush the baby's teeth, you can get a baby toothbrush that comes with a special baby gel to brush with, its made by the company that sells teething tablets and ora-gel....you will be sorry in about a year or two if you don't...that food and milk will ruin his little teeth if not.....

Answer 10

You can find a special toothbrush and tooth paste in the baby department or in the department that contains the brushes and toothpaste.