6 month old, tooth care?

Question

My daughter is 6 months old and has cut two bottom teeth. Do I need to start brushing them ? what is the best brush to use and do I need to use tooth paste ? I am in the uk, thanks

Answer 1

My daughter has just got her first 2 teeth, and we've started. Boots have a section within dental care for babies, including brushes (ickle baby sized ones) and toothpaste (low flouride and interesting flavours, although not strictly necessary). You might be surprised at the choice!

I think at this age it as much to get them used to the habit as to actually clean the teeth, although that is obviously the end goal. Many of my friends babies hate having their teeth brushed, but I have a feeling they are subjected to a longer and more vigourous brushing than necessary. We do a gentle sweep round the gums, a quick go over the 2 teeth before I let her 'have a go' herself. Its just a chewing opportunity at the moment, but its a start. The whole thing is over in less than a minute and she sees it as a game.

Answer 2

I do not know if they offer this product in the UK, but I immediately started using Orajel tooth paste and the little brush that it comes with. This stuff is great for young infants because it is non foaming, and totally safe. Also the brush is firm and does the job, but not harsh!
Here's a link to where you can buy online:
http://www.orajel.com/products/baby/tooth_gums/cleanser.htm
this stuff is great, and my daughter has always really enjoyed the whole experience!

Thought I would add to my answer after reading the answers before mine, a washcloth will not kill the germs from nursing bacteria on the teeth, and 6 mos is way old enough for Orajel, i would definately suggest using this to avoid any later dental problems, which usually kick in by 2yrs old. Just a word to the wise! : )

Answer 3

You can buy brushes for young babies from the chemist and my advice would be to start soft brushing straight away. This gets the baby used to routine of tooth care and will help her to keep her milk teeth for as long as possible leading to healthy strong perminate teeth. Also rememeber to get her an appointment with your dentist when you go for your check up. Never to early

Answer 4

Yes! start taking care of them now, and getting her used to toothpaste, etc. I used a infant toothpaste made by oralgel, I started with gauze and cleaned their gums, when they got teeth, I found a toothbrush for infants. Just make sure you look at the labels on toothbrushes and toothpaste, it should state from 3-9 months or 3-6 months. Usually a pharmacy is the best place to find these things. My best friend is in the UK!
Hope I helped, Good luck!

Answer 5

As your child's teeth start to appear (generally around 6 months), look for a baby toothbrush with a small head and grip suitable for your hand. Brush twice a day. Brush in the morning and right before bedtime. Use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. To avoid giving your child too much fluoride, use a thin smear of toothpaste or a dot the size of a grain of rice.

Answer 6

I started brushing my sons as soon as they cut. i got a long handled toothbrush from Boots and strawberry tooth gel. He is 13 months now and stands next to the sink while I brush his teeth. It gets them used to it from an early age.

Answer 7

* yes you should start tooth care now.to start with put a little bit of baby tooth paste on your finger and gently massage the teeth your baby has.then in a few months get a soft baby tooth brush and junior tooth paste and clean babys teeth that way.good luck.

Answer 8

i would brush them teeth!

She may not actually need them brushed, but if you start brushing them now, she will get used to the idea that her teeth need to be brushed, therefore not having tantrums later on.

I have brushed my kids teeth since they 1st appeared, and my friends all laughed at me for brushing just 1 tooth that had grown through, they left it till their kids had at least 4 teeth, and now my kids are the only ones who brush their teeth twice a day without any tantrums etc.

Answer 9

I use to let my babies chew on a tooth brush and then do a quick brush. You should not use tooth paste yet.

Answer 10

Start cleaning your child's mouth even before her teeth come in. Wipe the gums off after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth or a dampened piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. You can also buy thimble-like, soft rubbery devices (they fit over your index finger) to use for rubbing off excess food.