Time to brush!

[SimplyMum]

My 8 month old DS has just recently got his first 2 teeth, very excited and I think there are more on the way. My question to you is, when do you start brushing them with a toothbrush? And if so do you use toothpaste?

[polony]

Hey there!
I started (and still do it) by giving DD a baby toothbrush (it has soft bristles, small head, bug handle) and also some 1st toothpaste. There is also stuff called milk teeth? But you will find baby toothpaste with the other stuff in the shops.
Anyway, I put a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush and give it to her when she is in the bath. She chews occassionally on it, and now that she is getting older, I grab my toothbrush and pretend to brush my teeth to show her what you are meant to do. I figure she will eventually learn.
Anyway, I hope this helps.
Happy brushing!

[leenaomi]

Hi Baileymoo,

A dentist told me to start brushing with a toothbrush as soon as DD got any teeth appeared using a very tiny amount of baby toothpaste (Colgate and McLeans make them - Colgate is better). I've also heard that wiping the teeth with a clean cloth and no paste is also good or even using the toothbrush with no paste. At this stage, it's mostly about establishing a good routine and getting baby used to the idea of brushing regularly.

[nkenward]

I agree with the others. I don't use the toothpaste just yet. I just give him the brush in the bath and he kind of chews on the brush head - so I reckon it is doing some good.