ive heard that its good to start even before teeth have come through, is this true??
2007-12-12 19:47:56 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
they say to start wiping the gums with a clean wet face washer as soon as they are eating solids even if they don't have teeth.
Once they get teeth you should brush it or them with a baby's first soft brush but no toothpaste until they are 1 year old. when you do start using a toothpast make sure it is a squirt about half the size of a pea until they have half a mouth full of teeth and then gradually use more till you are using a squirt about the size of a pea with a full mouth of teeth. You don't need a lot.
Teaching them to spit and not swallow the rinsing water is the trickiest part as swallowing a lot of toothpaste all the time can cause problems later on. Thats why you shouldn't use very much toothpaste until they know how to spit the water.
Its really good to get your child used to 'brushing' their teeth as babies so they don't become fussy brushes later on. It establishes good routines to always do it after breakfast and before bed just like we would.
2007-12-12 20:03:04 · answer #1 · answered by Cindy; mum to 3 monkeys! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually it is recommended to brush or wipe baby's gums. Early start against tooth decay. With my first. I started out with just a wash cloth and water. Afterwards I used the finger brushes for babies. Then the baby tooth paste which isn't necessary at all. As my son got a few teeth I switched from finger brushes to baby brushes.
2016-05-23 08:33:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how old they are and what they are eating I think.
I plan to buy a toothbrush for my baby to hold when he is 4 months.... that way we can pretend to brush his teeth before bed time, he will be familiar with a toothbrush and hopefully it will just be part of the 'routine' when his teeth actually come through.
2007-12-12 19:54:59 · answer #3 · answered by Kimberley C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can buy soft brushes (that go on the finger) with gum and tooth cleanser just about anywhere. This can be started anytime! And the best time to start brushing their teeth is when they get them! With the infant gum and tooth cleanser it is safe to do, and safe for them to swallow.
As the child gets older, there are steps up with small toothbrushes and toothpaste/ cleanser that are also safe to swallow.
2007-12-12 21:41:14 · answer #4 · answered by Chelle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes my daughter's pediatric dentist said to wipe her gums with a wet washcloth before teeth ever come in, and when they do, use a wet soft "baby" toothbrush to brush her teeth (I would buy two because she's going to want to hold one herself) and remember, no flouride toothpaste until she can spit it out.
2007-12-13 06:23:43 · answer #5 · answered by saxcat00 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is true, I brushed Alex's gums in the morning and each night, also to get him used to the idea that we will be doing this everynight.
2007-12-12 23:56:24 · answer #6 · answered by mybabyadvice.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as soon as they get 1. My son used to love it when i brushed them. No toothpaste of course - and use a baby toothbrush though.
2007-12-12 19:54:53 · answer #7 · answered by mumontherun 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can start on newborns. a small facial cotton pad dipped in warm water and you gently rub on baby's gums. It's good to start early. Do this every bath time
2007-12-12 20:10:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my ped always told me to take a washcloth and wipe the gums- but he's a bit old fashioned so I don't know if it's a wife's tale or not but don't see the harm in it either.
2007-12-12 19:52:06 · answer #9 · answered by Shawna 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋