Dental Hygiene Questions

1) if using a brush is hard, use a dampened cloth and wipe all his teeth with it. That is what our Dentist suggested.

2) He can use toothpaste... try different types/flavors and brands.

3) brush twice a day. At least. And after sweet/sticky foods, have him rinse with a cup of water. If he can do that, since he is young.

"Spiffies" teeth wipes are also great. It is made with Xylitol... which prevents cavities. It comes in different flavors and can be found at CVS stores, or Amazon, or at www.spiffies.com
Even I use it myself. It is real great. My kids like it.
You can use it on the go too... and keep it in your purse for example.

To brush his teeth, so as Dentists do: have him in your lap, facing away from you, then from behind, wipe his teeth... or, have him sit somewhere where he can be distracted, or have him sit on a stool at the sink and crouch down to his height and clean his teeth that way.

good luck,
Susan

Melaleuca has two kids toothpastes. One is a training toothpaste that would be perfect since you son is not old enough to spit yet.

The "reach around" technique works very well - especially if you haven't had a really good brushing in a while.
There are times that I have been in "tooth brush attack mode" and have gone at the chompers while he was strapped in his high chair.

I work for a Pediatric Dentist so I see what can happen when we aren't diligent about oral hygiene from an early age so it's become part of our daily routine and he expects it now (he's is now 3). The only thing we fuss about now is who's turn it is first and which of his 6 toothbrushes he's going to select.

Toothpaste - not necessary at this time, but a lot of parents choose to get the child used to the flavor/texture of something being on the toothbrush. It's also a good way to practice learning to spit. (Hint: bathtub)
Until he can spit on his own use a non-fluoridated toothpaste.

Here's the song we teach our toddlers (parents) to sing when brushing.
Sung to Row Row your Boat:

Brush Brush Brush your teeth,
Brush them twice a day.
Brush them up,
And brush them down,
To brush the plaque away.

- Cj

What I taught my boys is to mimic me. We stand at the bathroom mirror and I make a big grin to show my front teeth, then open wide, etc. They're 3 and 4 now, but I started it out as a game when they were a little younger (like who can make the silliest face) and it has evolved into my tactic for getting their teeth brushed more thoroughly.

My pediatrician had me start using the toddler training toothpaste at 1 or 2 yrs. I use the Orajel toddler gel. It's okay to be swallowed because it doesn't have any fluoride but it does have a breath freshener. At your son's age, brushing just at bedtime is probably fine but if he'll let you do it twice a day, it's not a bad idea to get him into the habit at a young age. :)