Dentist/Teeth Brushing?

kaseyhunter85 · February 2016

My LO will be 4 months the 26th and has both his bottom teeth already(got his first before 3 months). I have been seeing conflicting information(like everything else baby related) regarding when to take him to the dentist for the first time and when to start brushing? I am sure I'll get varying opinions here too but at least they're from real people!

mihaelams1 · February 2016

We had a pediatric dentist come to one of our support group meetings. He said they have a catchy slogan (forgot the exact wording, so it's not catchy enough lol) that says to visit before 1yr. But that a more precise recommendation is 6 months after the 1st tooth. You can also start brushing right away, it's never too early. Use a soft cloth, not a toothbrush. He showed us some scary pictures of a 2 year old with yellow teeth and infected gums to make sure that we understand that oral hygiene has to start from an early age.

jegoffin · February 2016

I'm a dental hygienist and we typically start seeing kids around the 3 year mark.

momma2char · February 2016

Our dentist starts teeth cleaning and exams when children are 3, but encourages brushing the gums from month 1 (1-2x/day) and then starting with a rice-size amount of infant/children fluoride toothpaste when they get their first tooth. Right now my LO has no teeth but brushing with one of those finger silicone toothbrushes helps with teething pain and she loves it

chein1 · February 2016

We started taking DD1 when she turned 1, and she goes every 6 months. We used a washcloth with water to clean her teeth. She only had 2 when she turned 1.