When to start brushing?

[sharvs]

My DS has his first tooth coming through (very exciting) & I was wondering when do you start brushing their teeth (or tooth as the case may be)? I assume the earlier the better. My next question is how do you brush one tooth???

[MumsieMel]

as soon as teeth how up :D

[Taylors_mum]

:yelclap: Yay for bubs.

My DD is also getting her first tooth (About time). She has a big lump on her gum..no spiky bit yet... i can see the tooth though. :smiliedance:

Im going to start brushing as soon as it cuts through. Im going to buy one of those little brushes you slip over your finger.

[annb]

I got a toothbrush that goes over your finger with soft rubber bristles on it just until he got a few more teeth it was fine, i got it from a chemist and ive seen them in baby stores as well they are about $5, it looks like a rubber thimble! (or sex toy even!!)

[the_queen]

you can even just use a soft flannel to wipe over the tooth, because at that age there's no need for toothpaste anyway (and in fact I think toothpaste can do more harm than good at that age, because of the ingredients. I think most toothpastes for kids say that it's suitable from 12 months upwards)

[emilysmumma]

I just read an article (quite a few) that say to use a pea size amount of toothpaste. Well if that's the case, then how do you get the toothpaste out of the mouth of a 6 month old once finished?????

It's not like they can rinse and spit. Does anyone know? Or just use a wet face washer?

:confused:

[Avajaynes Mum]

Hi
I read an article that said not to use toothpaste until they can spit. My problem is my daughter, 14 mths wont let me get a toothbrush or facewasher any where close to her mouth she use to suck on a facewasher but has stop recently, Ive tried everything and I dont want to force her so she never wants to do it.Has anyone got any good tricks.:banghead:

Thanks Nardu

[MrsMiggins]

Toothpaste is not necessary when they're only babies. But you should try to give the new teeth a clean every day.

My DD is extremely "independant", shall we say, and will not let me get much of a go at brushing her two little downstairs teeth! I bought a great Mam brand first toothbrush, which she just loves, and when we have finished washing in the bath, I say to her "brushy-brush!" and her face just lights up!! I always say "Mummy first" and then try to manage a quick brush, then once I'm satisfied (I don't really do a hugely thorough job, just a few brushes that touch the teeth & I'm happy! It's about the best I can hope for!) I hand over the brush and she will happily have a bit of a play & a chew on the brush herself. I figure this must be doing something too!

I did try the thing with the damp cloth to clean her teeth, but she flatly refused to let me anywhere near her with that! At least the brush she likes!