I have a 10 month old I started brushing his teeth at 2 months when he got his first 2 teeth no problem's. However now 5 more teeth have erupted in one month and now when I brush his teeth he kicks,wiggles and screams. I also have a finger brush but when I use that he bites and hold down so i can't move around in his mouth. I also tried rinsing his gums with a wash cloth same reaction. Tried different flavor non-fluoride toothpaste no help I just want to do my part to ensure my son has the best chance in not receiving cavities. Any Suggestions ?
2007-03-28 13:19:20 · 12 answers · asked by SnuggJeans 3 in Health ➔ Dental
YOLANDA,
I REMEMBER THOSE TIMES WAY BACK WHEN.....
I SUGGEST NEVER USE ANY TOOTHPASTE AT ALL. THE CHILD WILL ONLY TEND TO WANT TO EAT IT. JUST WARM WATER IS FINE AT THIS STAGE.
MAKE SURE A TOOTHBRUSH IS ONE FOR INFANTS WITH ULTRA SOFT BRISTLES. ANYTHING ELSE IS UNCOMFORTABLE.
BRUSH VERY GENTLY AND PLAY SHOW AND TELL WITH HIM SO HE KNOWS IT'S NOT A BAD THING.
IF THEY SEE MOMMY DOING IT TOO THEY WILL BE MORE ACCEPTING.
NEVER GIVE ANY LIQUID AT NIGHT IN A BOTTLE EXCEPT PLAIN WATER. NO MILK OR JUICE. THIS CAN CAUSE BOTTLE CARIES IN SOME KIDS.
AT A LATER TIME, WHEN HE HAS LEARNED TO PROPERLY SPIT, YOU CAN PUT A PEA-SIZED DROP OF TOOTHPASTE ON THE BRUSH AND SUPERVISE HIS BRUSHING.
GOOD DENTAL HABITS START EARLY. I THINK YOU'RE DOING GREAT!!!
2007-03-28 13:43:23 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As stated above, his mouth is probably sore from cutting the teeth. They are still erupting long after you can see them. Try not to make a big deal out of brushing right now since you don't want to create a problem with him being afraid to brush later. The "cold wash cloth to chew on" is the best advice given to keep the teeth cleaned and also ease the soreness for your son. Good luck and don't worry, his teeth won't decay as fast as you might think.
2007-03-28 20:40:18 · answer #2 · answered by HeatherS 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He got his first teeth at 2 months? Amazing! If he is 10 months old, it sounds like he may be old enough to be entertained by the whole brushing experience. Make it fun. Let him try brushing his own teeth and maybe you could brush your teeth at the same time. Try singing a song about it. "This is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth, brush our teeth" You know the one.
If he sees you getting upset or worried about it, he may think of it as a negative experience. Keep it fun, laugh a lot, and take it with a grain of salt.
Good luck!
2007-03-28 20:33:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
His gums might be sore from all the new teeth. Give him a few days to calm down and try again. I wouldn't force the issue since this will most likely result in a great fear of having his teeth brushed.
M.
2007-03-28 20:24:02 · answer #4 · answered by Pedsgurl 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As soon as you see teeth, you can start brushing. There are special toothpastes out their for toddlers that is safe (even if it's swallowed). This is great because it makes it safe to brush your child's teeth (or teach them how to do it themselves) without having to worry about health concerns for swallowing the toothpaste rather than spitting it out. You can find this toothpaste at Wal-Mart, drug stores, and some grocery stores.
2007-03-28 20:31:07 · answer #5 · answered by kellygirl12498 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I really thinking that you are trying too hard. To be honest I am not sure I would give my child a toothbrush until he/she was a year old. Its a good practise to let them know how to take care of themselves but I do think its a bit early. A year or year and a half I would put a bit of toothpast on a toothbrush that is flavoured like the kids crest or something and give it to him/her and let them watch you brush your teeth and he/she will get the hang of it before he is 2 so that is lots of time. Trust me he will be fine and you will be glad he has learned something positive from his mommy. Take care Heather
2007-03-28 21:04:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
let the child play with the toothbrush and show him how you brush you're teeth. After he get's used to playing with the toothbrush then just brush his teeth. Do not use toothpaste till he gets used to the brush.
2007-03-28 20:28:38 · answer #7 · answered by dirtbikechiky 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem with my son! (and yes, you are right to brush his teeth, milk has so much sugar in it) My son also had two teeth at four months. I let my son chew on a cold washcloth. They love it for teething purposes and their chewing effect "brushes" their little chompers.
Good luck!
2007-03-28 20:24:53 · answer #8 · answered by Leilani 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Have the kid watch you brush your teeth, make it seem fun. Then he may be more willing to sit still and have fun with it. You could also try and allow him to "help" by holding the brush along with you...
2007-03-28 20:27:35 · answer #9 · answered by bsomoney 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Is he trying to use his spoon yet. Maybe he wants to use his toothbrush. My kids and I took turns. "Joey's turn to brush" "Mommy's turn to brush Joey's teeth."
Also, if he is on the edge of cutting more teeth his gums may be real sensitive. Try some teething gel about ten minutes before brushing.
2007-03-28 20:25:28 · answer #10 · answered by dmjrev 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋