Teeth Brushing

He is definitely old enough to use a real toothbrush. We buy the baby size ones and the toothpaste comes with it. Start as early as possible to get him use to it. My daughter hates when we brush her teeth. She loves doing it herself, but is too young to do a good job.

I too started as you, the wiping method. Then when our son got his first tooth, I introduced the baby toothbrush while still using the wiping method. I let him hold one brush, while I have another. We take turns in brushing his teeth. All went well for several months, and then well, he decided to fight the task (around 15 months I believe, he is now 18 months). No fun, but I kept plugging ahead. Don't give in otherwise you will have a whole other battle on your hands. Once they begin to clearly understand the rhyme and reason of teethbrushing, it will be A-OK again. I also decided to use the finger brush again because when he challenges the process, I feel that I am better equipped with the finger brush in getting his gums and teeth clean. I still have him hold and alternate with his toothbrush. I also have him brush when I brush and make the fun noises in order to make the experience fun. I also have found in order to truly get a good brush and clean in, I have him lay on his back. Sometimes in front of his favorite video or playing music on the CD player. Seems to preoccupy during the cleaning and well, gets the job done without too much fuss. Good luck and have fun!

They have these toothbrushes that fit over your finger with little brissles on it...it works great.

Hey A., As soon as they get their 1st tooth you should start to brush their teeth. It will get them into the habit of brushing early. And even though the baby teeth fall out, a cavity on a baby tooth can spread to the permanent tooth. As you might already know. Anyways, oral-b makes tooth brushes in stages. My dentist gave me a stage 1 tooth brush for my daughter. (5 months) It is made for babies 4-24 months. It is designed for babies gums and 1st teeth, and the handle is designed for parents hand. So get one of those, and they sell tooth paste for kids that taste good. Try not to make it a hectic experience for your little guy, you have to make it fun. I know thats easier said than done with a toddler. Good luck.

Hi A.,

My dentist gave me a brush just before my dautghter got her first tooth and I let her play with it. I would also give it to her whenever she watched me brush my teeth. Everytime I'd sing "brusha brusha brusha" from the musical Grease.(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Khc_CQJedw&feature=re...) Ha! I don't know all the words, I'd just sing that one line, it's kind of catchy.
Now she has teeth and everytime I give her her brush I say "Brusha Brusha Brusha" she smiles and does it herself. I try to also get in there and do it for her so that it gets done.
Good luck!

I started my daughter with one of those finger tip brushes and a flouride free infant tooth gell (gerber grins and giggles) when she was 7 mo. she loves how it tastes and actually gets upset when I stop brushing her teeth.

Hi A.,
Check out my profile for my experience in this area. Definitely start brushing his teeth. You can try the finger toothbrush but I would personally go straight to a baby toothbrush. I use the Oral-B one with their Baby toothpaste. It contains xylitol which is great. Go to www.xylitol.org to learn about it's benefits. I think it's great you have been wiping after eating and before bed. It helps him develop a habit from the start. Beware that at some point he MAY decide he doesn't want you to brush anymore, I think it is a control issue. Don't give in, I have always told parents to do WHATEVER it takes to get those teeth clean. The ADA now recommends a child's first visit at about 1 yr. Even if you just take him with you next time you have your teeth cleaned it will give him some exposure. Email me if you have questions.
Sincerely,
L.

Definitely go for it while he is open to it!