When and how did you start brushing your child's teeth?

The ped. said I could start (my son is 1 and has 6 teeth) and I bought that little finger scrub thing and child's non-fluoride toothpaste. But I am baffled as to how I am supposed to get him to sit still and let me do this. And also, he can't rinse so does he just swallow the toothpaste? Do I wash it down by giving him a bottle with water?

Re: When and how did you start brushing your child's teeth?

Use only a tiny amount. Just poke your finger in there and gently brush. I would distract them a bit while doing it so they didn't clamp down on the finger. Or put my other finger in where they only have gums to keep them from clamping down on the brush finger. They do swallow it, it's safe and since it's only a very small amount, it shouldn't be a big deal. Some water after is fine to wash it down too. My older kids still try to sneak and use the baby's toothpaste, I guess it tastes better than the fluoride stuff.

I usually put my son on the bed laying face up and do it. After you do it for a bit, it gets easier. I just switched my DS to a toothbrush a month or 2 ago (he's 18m and has 13 teeth) and he loves to chew on it.

Message edited 12/2/2007 11:55:22 AM.