I often have mom questions that come to mind and need to post here more regularly, seeking the advice of my faithful blog readers. :) Hence begins "Mom's Corner."
For today, the question is: at what age did you start brushing your child's teeth? Maggie has been teething once again and currently has 6 in, so it makes me wonder if I should be brushing them. I have read that you just use a soft toothbrush (or baby toothbrush) and no toothpaste at this point, but I just haven't gotten into the habit of it. For all those mothers that are further along then I am, let me know what you did! Thanks.
i have often wanted a "mom's corner" too and actually thought about starting a new, separate blog where us mom friends could go back and forth on mommyhoodness :) maybe we can get a joint one up and running?
ReplyDeletei definitely brushed owen's gums and teeth even back when he only had one or two teeth. I used a baby tooth and gum cleaner, a little soft plastic thing with soft, short bristles that fits on your finger. it came with orajel tooth and gum cleaner, but i didn't always use that. I used a wash cloth too...it's just good to get milk off of their gums because the starch in it breaks down to sugar and shouldn't be on their gums all through the night.
Once he got a few more teeth, i started using a baby toothbrush and baby tooth paste (orajel brand in an upright tube, i believe), which has NO fluoride (that could be dangerous for them at this age to swallow.)
Since i started so early/young, owen has totally gotten into the habit of it and loves it. Now that he is two, we brush his teeth and then have him brush himself a little while afterwards. Still using the non-fluoride paste.
I took O to the dentist with me when he was 1 because all of the baby magazines say to, but my dentist says they don't actually give them exams until they are 3 or 4 (unless they have a problem.) He said it was good to bring him along for my apps though so he can get used to the dentist office, chair, etc.
Hope that helps!
I used the tooth and gum cleanser as well. I started using it on Angelina when she was about 10 or so months old. I am getting ready to start Zoe on it. Zoe has taken a little longer than Angelina to get teeth. She currently has only 3 teeth.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the dentist... I have to make Angelina's first dentist appt. And she is 5.
Any kids toothpaste is good when they are about 1.5 or 2 years. Almost all kids' toothpaste is fluoride free. :)
Hope that helps.
I would love to leave some wonderful advice here....but it's already been left! I do have to say that the tooth and gum cleaner that goes on your finger is great, though. Oh, and toothpaste of any sort is not a necessity quite yet, but the flavor can help convince a reluctant child that brushing is fun. Happy brushing!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had good and clever advise to give but don't, however I am excited about your "mom's corner" as I will be able to learn so much well before D & ? are at Maggie's stage of life! So thanks in advance for answering a million questions I would have had.
ReplyDeleteYou said have a "Mom's Corner" or whatever you want to call it, and a *Vent/Rant/Get it off your chest* blog! LOL! There have been so many times when I have want to post a venting blog post, but can't because my dear husband reads my blog. LOL. Maybe Mom's Corner, and Frustrating things out husbands say and do. LOL.
ReplyDeletegreat idea, suz! like everything else, i just can't remember what i did with elise -- maybe around her first b-day did the doc suggest it? it would never hurt - at this point it's all about creating a habit anyway. most of the time elise just chews on the brush, sucks off the water and toothpaste and then i follow up with a little "scrubbing."
ReplyDeleteseems like mags would be ready for it with her 6 teeth. :)
xoxox
for a long time i think we just wiped O's teeth with a washcloth. is that wierd? i think the ped actually recommended it though. ??? i forget when we started the official brushing. i'm thinking you could start.
ReplyDeleteFunny that I happened to read this question on the night that I just realized how bad I am at doing this very thing. This part won't answer your question, it will be me merely confessing:
ReplyDeleteI suck at brushing their teeth. I lazily say, Oh, you don't have to tonight. Now, get in bed. Horrible, right? Well, their dentist appointments all went well, so I take advantage now!
But, seriously in answering...I began with some little rubber thing on the tip of my finger with something swalloable right when there were teeth to massage!
By the way, I decided NOT to read anyone elses answers before writing so I wouldn't feel guilty for my confessions :)
Melissa Brown (now Abby)'s hubby is a pediatric dentist. He suggests starting to wipe off their gums at 6 months, and then brushing as soon as they get teeth. You are also supposed to go to the dentist either 6 months after they get their first tooth, or 1 year of age. It is basically to get them familiar with sitting in the chair, opening their mouth, etc.
ReplyDeleteWOW, great feedback, ladies! Thanks a heap. More mom questions to come.
ReplyDelete