Tooth brushing question

Tooth brushing question

Luke has 5 teeth and I was using the Gerber paste & rubber thingie that goes on your finger but now he's biting my finger (hard! ow!) so I figured it's time to switch to a toothbrush. I got an Oral B for ages 4m - 24m but it's so awkward, I could not even get his top teeth. Any tips or tricks from BTDT Moms? He's 9 months old. Thanks.

Re: Tooth brushing question

have you tried the berry flavored toothpaste? It is safe to swallow and Luke may enjoy the taste enough to open a little wider

Re: Tooth brushing question

Liz, it is so funny that you posted this b/c I was going to post something similar!
First - my pediatrician said no toothpaste - just water Did your ped say paste was okay? Just curious what other docs say.

Second - we use the same brush for Paul's teeth, but we are having a very difficult time w/it. He's good at opening up, but if we try to brush w/a little (gentle) force, he clamps up. I have noticed that his four top teeth have accumulate this orange-y plaque type stain. If I scrape it w/my finger nail, it will come off, but I cannot get it off w/the toothbrush.

Does anyone know when they are old enough to go to the dentist?

Re: Tooth brushing question

Have you tried when they are sleeping?? Its like cutting the fingernail... so much easier when they are in la la land

Re: Tooth brushing question

I think the first dentists visit is at like 4yrs old no? if not older

Re: Tooth brushing question

Really? 4! I thought maybe 2....I guess I should call the pediatrician, huh?

Re: Tooth brushing question

Im just going by memory, at one of my past jobs, I helpd out in the Benefits Dept, and I rmember the dental was for kids 3 and up. So I guess it depends on the individual ??

ETA: I dont see why you shouldnt go as soon as they have a decent amount of teeth though.

Re: Tooth brushing question

Which reminds me, is everyone giving their little ones flouride every day ? I guess it might be just Suffolk because we dont have flouride in our water.

Re: Tooth brushing question

Well see, I'm thinking it would be torture for Mommy to try and get him to 'open wide' for the dentist at this age, even though he's got a mouth full of teeth. But, I really am tempted to bring him, especially since brushing doesn't seem to be helping his teeth...I think it's from his vitamins!

edited to say, Paul gets poly-vi-flor vitamins (which have flouride in them) everyday. I do not give him tap water - he drinks bottled water, no exceptions. (I know - laugh at me and call me a freak, but he's my kid and I just don't trust the tap water)

Re: Tooth brushing question

Re: Tooth brushing question

I worked in the dental feild for 12 years. Instead of using a toothbrush, put a little water or paste on a washcloth and rub the teeth. YOu will successfully clean baby's teeth while padding your fingers from the bite. You can also make a joke out of biting mommy. Hope this helps!