Too Soon to Start Brushing Teeth?

Nope, its not too young. He should DEFINITELY be brushing his teeth. I have an 11 month old who now has 4 teeth, and we let her pick out her own toothbrush and she loves the thing. We brush, and then we let her brush them. Its almost like a game to her. We sing a song, and we have a tooth brushing song to help her along.

No, you are not rushing it. It is good practice to start cleaning baby's gums with a cloth from birth (which I had trouble being consistant with). As soon as the first tooth appears though you absolutely need to clean them. Baby teeth are very porous and more susceptable to decay, from both b/milk & formula. This is why the dental & medical experts say you should not let baby fall asleep with a bottle.

We always brushed with the finger thing right after feeding at night. They do resist at first but they eventually get used to it. Sometimes my babies fell asleep while feeding & barely woke for brushing.

Your son's teeth may not look clean because of his natural tooth color. My daughter's teeth looked yellow to me around her 1st bday and the pediatrician said is was not decay, but her natural color. This was confirmed by her dentist.

If the teeth are brown, well, that is rot and it should be taken care of. GL!

A.

It's never too soon to brush his teeth! As soon as he gets one tooth in the mouth, you should start brushing. And brush the gums also where his teeth have not come in yet. It's normal for kids to fight with you, especially when it comes to brushing. You can brush first and then let him have a turn with the toothbrush. Try to sing a song with him while you are brushing. He will eventually let you brush. And, even if he constantly fought with you, wouldn't you rather fight with him to brush his teeth or have the dentist fight with him while filling cavities? Especially if he is still getting his formula before bedtime, he is more prone to getting decay on his front teeth. I give my son his formula while i read him his book. When he's done with his bottle we go to the bathroom and he holds one toothbrush and i have another and we take turns brushing his teeth with water while we sing the ABC's. After that, we say goodnight and i put him down in his crib. Hope this was helpful. Sincerely, Rosalie (Pediatric Dentist)

Hi G.,
No it is not too soon to try and brush your babies teeth, the earlier you start the better. I am a Dental Hygienist and I inform all my patients to start cleaning the babies gums after each feeding that way when the teeth come in babies eill allow it more because they are use to it, you can try a baby toothbrush with the colgate toothpaste for babies it has the little bear on it bacause you want to use something without flouride now sine babies will swallow you are not rushing it. Like I tell my patients better to hear you child cry at home because you are brushing their teeth and you know you are not hurting them, then for them to get baby bottle tooth decay and have to get the cavities filled and cry in the dental chair and you feel helpless

Hope I was some help
L. Registered Dental Hygienist

Most kids hate getting their teeth cleaned especially when they are small... You just have to keep doing it. It's important that he not fall asleep right after a bottle because all of that will just sit on his teeth and cause a lot of decay. Maybe you can give him a water bottle after he finished to wipe some of the formula/milk off his teeth. I only cleaned my kids teeth in the morning and at night after the bottle. you can also just use a small cloth to wipe his teeth off. They have small baby toothbrushes too. Once they have 4 teeth you should be really cleaning them well. Good luck.. it will be hard but worth it in the long run. Make sure you see a dentist at age 2.. so many people put it off.. but it's a great idea.

Definitely not too early, in fact I've read you should start brushing their gums before teeth even erupt. I started my daughter at 6 months, she's now 14 months, and has 8 teeth. Sometimes I think the neighbors are going to report me because it sounds like I'm torturing her, but I know it doesn't really hurt, because she stops screaming when I'm done and goes on to play. I spoke to the hygienest, who has 4 kids, and she said hers are the same, you just have to hold them down. My pediatrician said he still has to hold his 4 year old in a headlock to brush his teeth. He's probably going to get upset, but my daughter is more cooperative if I let her hold the toothbrush first. We use a cheapo electric toothbrush, recommended by the dentist. I brush every night, but have started in the morning, she has morning breath now!

I really liked that finger one even though I was inconsistent as well with my first, but here are two other suggestions:

One step ahead!!

Safety toothbrush: A toothbrush designed for safety. Designed so well, it's an award winner! Our oblong toothbrush is safe enough for babies as young as six months. It prevents over-insertion into the mouth and reduces risk of injury, and it's easy for tots to manipulate, too. it's a 2 pack for 6.95.

OR

Baby's first toothbrush:This toothbrush feels so good! Dentist invented! Baby will enjoy biting down on this soft, patented toothbrush — and when she does, it will gently surround her teeth, cleaning all surfaces. Its soft, tiny bristles not only remove bacteria, they soothe tender gums. For 4 months and up. Colors may vary. 2 pack for 13.95

Good luck

Hi G.,

You can just wipe his teeth clean with a gause. I wouldn't use that toothpaste just yet. I know it is supposed to be for children, but it does have chemicals in there and sweetners. Not necessary. Diet is more important in preventing tooth decay. You'll want to read up on this subject on www.westonaprice.org

Blessings,
T. E.
www.LiveWellShopSmart.com
www.LovinLifeWithHomeBiz.com

Never too soon to start. Don't use regular tooth paste and use a soft child size brush but other than that get your son use to the sensation. A.

No, it is not to soon to brush. He will hate it, guaranteed. Sorry but that's the truth. He'll probably fight you every time for a LONG time! :) My son is 4 and my daughter just turned 2 and they still fight most nights. You can actually take him to a dentist now. Call a pediatric dentist and ask about the program to get babies a free dental exam. When I took my son in to the dentist, and dragged my daughter along for the ride, the dentist told us that if we had brought her in before she turned one, it would be free due to a government program to get babies in to the dentist earlier. A lot of dentists don't like to see them until they are 2 or 3, even, but there are good pediatric dentists out there.. so I encourage you to look. Plus, the dentist will then be able to give you good advice, answer your questions, and show you the best way to clean those pearly whites. Good luck!

You should definitely brush your sons teeth. My daughter has 4 teeth and she doesn't really like to have her teeth brushed with those finger brushes either. I bought her a real toothbrush for babies and we all sit on the floor and brush our teeth together. She does it by herself first and then I do a quick brushing. Then she gets to drink some water out of a real cup. She loves it! She's a little older than your son (13 months) But it would be worth a shot. Good luck!

I started giving my son his toothbrush every morning when I brush my teeth. At first he just stuck it in him mouth and chewed on it (like all other toys). This started when he was about 8 - 12 months old. Now at 16 months he makes like he is brushing. I believe it is from watching me. He also allows me to brush his teeth for him. My thoughts are to make this a morning ritual that he just does naturally. This way it is not a chore or bother; it's just something that is done. In time he will learn the proper techniques of brushing.

Good luck.