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Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
When to start brushing teeth?
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Anonymous
| Ah, the PP's comment confirms what our ped told us at the 9-month visit. Our son has 2 teeth now. Our ped said wiping them was fine, or using a child's tooth brush with only water (no toothpaste), but the point was to get him used to brushing, so it wouldn't be so difficult later. Don't know if it's really necessary, per se, but seems like a good idea. |
Anonymous
| We started giving our DS a toothbrush around 12 months. He was very excited b/c in the mornings he watches us get ready for work including the brushing of our own teeth. He loves the toothbrush, but as an object to chew on. He's now 17 months and I think I am going to start actively trying to brush his teeth which is going to be difficult b/c like a PP, we're lucky if we can change his diaper...also, to weigh in on the earlier debate, our pedi also told us that waiting on brushing was fine and not to get stressed about it. Maybe the critical PP(s?) are dentists trying to drum up business? |
Anonymous
My ped also said we can wipe them down but even that isn't necessary. I believe him, my parents and DH's parents said they didn't brush our teeth till we had a full mouthful! And, neither of us had any dental issues. In fact, I get lot's of compliments on my dentures, I mean teeth! Just kidding-I don't have dentures! 
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Anonymous
If you are not taking care of her teeth, then I guess I am saying you are failing to care for your child |
Anonymous
| to add to pp, if your ped is so damn good, he/she needs to do a little research in tooth decay and cause. |
Anonymous
| Do it now. . .I did not and my son has cavaties (several) partly due to soft teeth (heridity) but still wished I had been better about 2 x a day from 12 months on ward (we are good about food/candy, etc) but not so great on the brushing front. My dentist recs Toms natural toothpaste for children, my son loves it and now brushes on his own 2x a day! |
Anonymous
| PP here, BTW, please save the guilt trip messages. I already feel guilty enough. |
Anonymous
Are YOU a dentist? You said you are in the "dental field" -- what exactly is it that you do that makes you so qualified to second-guess my top rated doctor's advice? |
Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
| Snap! Super-cool lawyer lady got all nasty on you. I bet she does that to all the legions of peons who work for her. |
Anonymous
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Don't baby teeth fall out?
I completely agree and understand the importance of brushing to avoid cavities and decay (until the permanent teeth come in) not to mention forming good hygene habits, but talking about drilling/filling cavaties (1316 poster) seems extreme. |
Anonymous
That's what I thought too when I saw a post like this back when dc was just getting teeth. But it's true. The post scared me and we've been diligent about seeing the pediatric dentist (who confirms that they do get cavities which sometimes need to be fixed - ugh) and brushing. So while some on the post are harsh, I hope it helps people like the one last year helped me get into action. |
Anonymous
| For the dental hygienist - for someone who works taking care of patients, you sure do have poor communication skills. Rethink your self righteous attitude. |
Anonymous
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To the sanctimonious dental hygentist, I'm sure you do everything that is considered "healtiest" for your child. I'm sure you breastfed, only give organic food, have never allowed your child around refined sugar, wheat, etc. I'm sure your child has never watched TV, gets 1 hour of outside exercise everyday, etc., etc.
Get off your high horse. Given youre field, you are in an excellent position to be a role model for others and to be supportive and get people to brush. Instead, all you have done is turn people off. As I saw in another post, you need to cool off and just maybe do a little self reflection. |