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Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
When to start brushing teeth?
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Anonymous
| My DS is 13 months old. He now has 9 teeth. We occasionally put a toothbrush in his mouth, but we do not routinely brush his teeth. At what age do we need to start making this part of our routine? I know they recommend wiping off your child's teeth when they are just babies, but we never did that. Guess we're bad parents! |
Anonymous
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It's never too late to start! If you make it part of the evening routine now, he's less likely to bristle later on, especially when you add it to the morning as well.
Health of baby teeth is important to overall health, so don't ignore them with the notion that they'll eventually fall out. By 13 months, you can make DS part of the fun. Take him to the store to pick out his toothbrush and toothpaste. Make sure to get fluoride free toothpaste - they can't use the other until they can spit. Then brush away every night!! |
Anonymous
| You should begin brushing the teeth as soon as you see them. You will feel really bad if your child gets a cavity and has to go the the experience of having it drilled/filled at such a young age. Did you ped not give you any info on how to care for your baby? Truely, I am amazed at some of the questions asked on this board. |
Anonymous
| Well, that was helpful. |
Anonymous
The purpose of the board is to ask questions. If you deem them stupid don't respond. |
Anonymous
Not all questions are stupid, but this one is scary stupid! |
Anonymous
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Yes OP, you are so STUPID for asking about when to begin brushing your child's teeth. STUPID STUPID STUPID. What are you going to ask next? When to feed them.
Ignore the PP. Obviously they are perfect and must have dolls for children. Why they are even on this board is the real question since they are "Scary Smart". |
Anonymous
| Seriously OP, this is not a stupid question but you need to get on it. Brush them twice a day, after breakfast and before bed and if you have extra time try to go over the gums that don't have teeth yet with a washcloth to remove food residue. |
Anonymous
| OP -- thanks for asking - my DS is 16 mo, only has 6 teeth (molars though are coming in now) but we are not good brushers... DS is getting the concept and using the brush on his own but we really have not done ANYTHING to encourage this (and this from two parents who brush their teeth VERY regularly!)! guess we need to get on it! |
Anonymous
| Actually, it is not a stupid question. DD got her first teeth at almost 7 mos. I bought the baby orajel tooth cleaner and started to make a go at them. At my 9 mos visit, my pedia (who is ranked in Washingtonian's best doctors) told me that it was unnecessary until she turns 1 year. |
Anonymous
| This is just a guess, but since breastmilk has some antibacterial properties, it's possible that brushing is not as important as long as that's the primary component of the baby's diet. (I repeat: just a guess.) |
Anonymous
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Actually, the pediatric dentist told me that I needed to wipe baby's teeth down after nursing before going to sleep because breastmilk is sweet and you don't want it caked over baby's teeth all night. I thought she was crazy if she thought I was going to risk waking baby up by sticking a cloth in his mouth after nursing him to sleep. But we did it and baby learned to sleep through it. The pediatric dentist said that until 1 (or tons of teeth), just wipe them down a couple times a day. After that, get a brush and brush them twice a day. At 2, start using small amounts of toothpaste.
No need to freak out, but just start. |
Anonymous
I think you may of misunderstood your ped. Is this doctor a Dentist? I am in the dental field and if we see children who do not get thier teeth brushed we explain to parents the need, and show theym how to brush the teeth properly. If after that visit, a lack of hygiene continues, it is considered neglect. Ignorance first, then neglect. Brush your childrens teeth. It is part of your responsibility. |
Anonymous
| I was just thinking about this issue this morning - - not as to WHEN but HOW??? My problem is that DS - who is a rambunctious 2 year old - I can barely pin him down and change his diaper. I try and try to brush his teeth and usually end up covered in toothpaste and water. This kid is an animal! My other kids where so cute and easy and we were good about teethbrushing - but this kid has me over a barrel! I am just crossing my fingers that it gets better.....signing off: one exhausted mother! |
Anonymous
No, I did not misunderstand my pediatrician. My child is 10 months old. Are you even trying to insinuate that I am neglecting her health and welfare? |