when to start brushing teeth?

[jessica]

Hi,

Any advice on when and how to start brushing bubs 4 teeth? Special brushes? Special paste/no paste? Just let them chew on a brush? I have no idea!!

thanks

[Chickadee]

The sooner the better is what I was told. Ideally as soon as they show up.

You can buy baby toothbrushes and toothpaste at the supermarket among the adult ones. For very young kids it may be easer to use a bit of flannel around your finger than a toothbrush that they'll chew on. I found having Chloe stand partly in front of me, her back to my chest, and looking up at me was easiest - she automatically would open her mouth. But whatever works for you.

[mumofethan]

i was told to start brushing from when the first one rears it painful little head!!!

We bought a baby tooth brush, and i was told not to use tooth paste until they are over 1, and i cant find one for ethans age (10mths)

However brushing Ethans teeth is a task... atfirst he loved it now he hates it and i have to restrain his arms and battle his tongue to brush them!!!

:D

Michelle

[TwoBlue]

As soon as teeth appear you should start brushing them
Get an infants toothbrush from your supermarket and use water only until 1 year old then use a childs toothpaste (or still just water) you can use a cloth too for the very young if you prefer.

I found the best way with my boy who started hating it around 13 months was to let him brush his own teeth (water on the brush him just chewing away) while i brush my teeth and he watches me, then mummy helps him finish off and he is usually ok. He has now started doing brushing motions when he is watching me instead of just chewing the brush.