And another question: when did you start using toothpaste for LO?

VARedhead · September 2011

We've just been giving DD a wet toothbrush to use. At the last appointment, the sheet we took home with us said we can start using flouride-free toothpaste (but not that we should). I, of course, didn't actually read it until I was home and couldn't ask the doctor. I know I can call, but figured I'd turn to the expert Nesties instead.

So, at what age did your little one start using toothpaste, and what kind did you start with or do you recommend?

Thanks!

courtneyLMM · September 2011

We started using a little toothbrush when DD first tooth popped through. Oragel makes a gum and tooth cleanser for little ones that we use.

vtkgirl77 · September 2011

We used a wet toothbrush until DD was 18 months old. I took her to the dentist at 18 months (regarding some questions I had) and the dentist said it's fine to use the flouride-free toothpaste so we started using it then. I don't even know what brand it is but I think it must taste good because DD tries to suck it off the brush.

LMH1209 · September 2011

We started using toothpaste a little after two. I had read that a lot of dentists and pediatricians don't like the training toothpastes because they say the fruity flavors encourage kids to swallow toothpaste, rather than learning to spit. Our pediatrician said we could either use toothpaste with or without fluoride as long as we used just a smear of it. So, I thought we'd go straight to regular toothpaste. DS hated it! I found myself wishing I'd just stuck with water for a while longer because toothpaste led to all kinds of struggles over brushing teeth. I finally got him to stop fighting me when I bought Thomas the Tank Engine training toothpaste, but he makes a face even with the fruity training toothpaste.

My SIL actually had a similar experience with our nephew. He was great about tooth brushing until she tried toothpaste, and now it's a struggle. So... maybe wait a little bit

QueSrah · September 2011

We started with the fluoride-free training toothpaste at least 6 months ago when brushing became such a struggle that it wasn't happening at all. I don't love that T wants to suck the toothpaste off the brush, but at least she lets me get the toothbrush in her mouth to brush for a bit. If L isn't giving you a fight with just water, I would stick with that until she's a little older and can get the idea of spitting out the toothpaste.

Sofka · September 2011

before age 1 with both kids; we use the Orajel toothpaste that says "flouride free" and "safe to swallow," DD went to regular kids (with flouride) toothpaste awhile ago, I'd say before 2.5, when she learned how to spit it out and how to put water in her mouth and then spit it out (she's learning how to rinse, some days she does it, some days she refuses).

WinesNot Whines · September 2011

You can use fluoride-free toothpaste whenever you want. Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for ages 2+, but I'd wait until your LO is good about rinsing and spitting it out. Swallowing too much fluoride can cause white spots on teeth (it's just cosmetic, but still).

JKM416 · September 2011

Like a PP said, DS likes to suck the flouride-free, safe-to-swallow stuff off his toothbrush, so we've discouraged that habit. He's been using it for ?six? months, and we use the Colgate brand, I think (we used an Orajel one with DD but switched for him). After watching his sister use regular kids' toothpaste for a while, he's now pretending to rinse and spit. So we're going to start trying that for real - while still using flouride-free until he gets the hang of it.

DD has been using the "big kids'" toothpaste for at least a year - maybe 18 months.

Mama Angelina · September 2011

We started using toothpaste with him around 20 months

Want a personalized experience?

And another question: when did you start using toothpaste for LO?

Re: And another question: when did you start using toothpaste for LO?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards