[Asha0314]

Hi everybody,
I have a 14 month old with 5 teeth and one coming in. When should I start brushing her teeth? Any other suggestions for things I could do to maintain good dental health?

[kelceesmom]

Now. I started Kelcee before she even had teeth with one of the nub toothbrushes. The earlier the better.

[Asha0314]

Thanks you. I wish I had known about the nub toothbrush before, I never heard of it until now. I'll get a baby toothbrush as soon as I can.

[SchmennaLeigh]

Parker (7 months) just got five teeth in two weeks (yes, it's been rough over here) and we brushed his teeth for the first time tonight after we brushed his older brother's teeth (who also thought it was cool that little brother now has TEETH!).

Tips: Get a toothbrush that is fun. Let them play with their toothbrush (get a second one if you want) so that they're not "scared" of it. And be consistent.

I should add that my MIL is a dental hygenist.

[Stormster]

Hi. DS just grew four teeth in 5 weeks too and I have to get on the ball with the toothbrush. I heard there are ones that go right on your finger but I know him he'll want a REAL toothbrush or at least one that looks real.

I wanted to ask: E's front teeth are spaced REALLY far apart. Just wondering if that gap means his adult teeth will have the same gap?

[kelceesmom]

No not necessarily will they be spaced far apart. His teeth might even close up a bit as the other teeth come in.

[xxsurroundedbyxy]

We used the rubber bristle toothbrush that you place on your fingertip. It cleans the gums and they love to teeth on it. We started that at about 6mo because Sam cut teeth early. Even a washcloth can clean gums and they say to do that as soon as they start teething and teeth show through the gums.


He went for his first dentist appt at just over 1yr old and they examined his teeth (he had at least 8 by then!) , brushed his teeth while in my lap, and gave me some kiddo toothpaste and new toothbrush. He goes again in a couple of weeks for his 2yr appt.


Kim

[nikkianni]

Yikes! Was I supposed to make a dentist appointment for DD already?
I've been doing the finger brush thing. It's not very popular but it gets the job done. I just bought DD a "real" toothbrush. So far she's more interested in playing with it than using it.

[SchmennaLeigh]

Originally Posted by nikkianni

I just bought DD a "real" toothbrush. So far she's more interested in playing with it than using it.

That's fine. Seeing that it is non-threatening is a great way to get kids used to the toothbrush. Buy her a SECOND real toothbrush, that you use, so you can brush while she plays.

[nikkianni]

I picked another one up yesterday and we tried it out last night. Still not a fan favorite but the toothbrush got a better reception than the fingertip thing.
She just sort of sat there with this look of, "Mom, what they heck? You're always telling me to take things out of my mouth."

[mondk]

We bought Joshie 2 lively looking kid toothbrushes and some of that training toothpaste. I'm trying to ease it into our routine right after his baths and before bed. I let him hold one brush while I brush his teeth with the other. I tried the training toothpaste; he spit it out! I'm waiting on my older son to come home from being with his dad so he can show Joshie how he brushes his teeth; Joshie loves to try to imitate him.

My older son has a toothtunes brush. It plays "We Will Rock You" by Queen. Supposedly they are all the rage and most have different songs.

Anyway, how many teeth do the kiddos need to have before their first dental appt?

Blessings, Michelle

[mary575]

Take care of the brush you are using for the baby it might seriously hurt the gums of your baby.