Question about brushing 18 month olds teeth?

Question

I heard you're not supposed to use toothpaste...even childrens toothpaste, until they are a little older... around 3. Is this true?

Answer 1

My dentist told me to use special BABY toothpaste. It has NO flouride in it. Don't use kids toothpaste yet.

website: http://www.laclede.com/products/children.asp

There is also a special baby toothbrush that works good to clean small teeth and gums. It's a rubber "finger glove" with bristles on it. My 18 month old bites my finger sometimes so you have to be quick.

http://www.laclede.com/products/infaDent.asp

I found the toothpaste at a large supermarket that had a big baby section but I'm sure both of these can be found at the main drugstores.

Answer 2

They make toothpaste for 18 month olds. Usually in the baby aisle.

Also if you did use just the smallest amount it would probably be fine. The goal with that age is to get them used to it and start a good habit. Even if you do not use anything still brush the teeth.

Baby teeth can be crowned. I know someones 6 year old who had to get one because of not brushing and literally living with a juice box in her mouth.

Answer 3

You are not supposed to use fluoridated toothpaste on young children, as swallowing too much toothpaste can cause fluorosis and they often don't spit properly.

http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/fluorosis.asp

It's a condition that causes discolouration and damage to the adult teeth. Even as children get older, it's important to make sure they're using only a pea size portion of fluoridated toothpaste and spitting and rinsing properly. Fluoride has it's benefits, but it's important that it's used safely and properly and only with children who consistently spit.

You can buy natural toothpastes and training toothpastes that do not contain sodium fluoride. This is safest for a young child. :)

Answer 4

on the back of the toothpaste tube, it is recommended to not give toothpaste to young children. However, my son is 20 months and I started putting a tiny dot of toothpaste on an electric toothbrush for him over 3 months ago-and he has been perfectly fine...and he loves the massage that he gets from the toothbrush.

Answer 5

It might be because toothpaste has an ingredient in it which can be toxic if swallowed. This wouldn't be much of a problem for an adult but it could easily make a small child ill at the very least.

Answer 6

Oral-B makes a Toddler toothpaste that is safe to swallow. I taught my son at age 2 to brush with normal toothpaste. You only need a tiny drop and if they do swallow that small amount it won't hurt them.

Answer 7

Don't use toothpaste. Oragel has a baby toothpaste that's safe, but still use it very sparingly.

When my daughter was 16 m/o we rubbed her teeth and gums with gauze. She hated it, but it was a bath time ritual along with Poly-Vi-Sol (nasty liquid vitamins).

Now that she's 21 m/o, she enjoys brushing her teeth along with us. She has her own baby-safe tooth paste and we double check her brushing morning and night.

Answer 8

I've been using infants toothpaste on my daughter's teeth for months now. it has no flouride, and it's safe to swallow. we've had no problems.

Answer 9

if you put on the tiniest dot and you brush the childs teeth, you should be fine. if you put on a lot, then yes, it can be toxic. a small amount should be fine and won't harm them. if you still feel unsure about it then check with your child's pediatrition or your dentist