We were at the doctor recently for our son's 12 month check up and I asked the doctor when we should go to the dentist. My son has 4 teeth. He said, most ped's will say 3 years old. He said, just make sure that you brush his teeth last and make sure he goes to bed with a very clean mouth. My problem is that as part of our bedtime routine, the last thing my son does before sleep is nurse. He is all calm mellow and I am afraid if I brush his teeth then, that it will stimulate him. Obviously I want what's best for his teeth, but I would like to balance that with going to bed smoothly. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Well we have switched around our bedtime routine, moving brushing teeth from the middle to the end. This way he goes to bed with a clean mouth! Thanks for all the responses I got.
When my son's doctor said that we'd have to start brushing his teeth we had the same problem. We had to rearrange his bedtime routine a little by feeding him first, then brushing his teeth then reading him a book (or two) to soothe and calm him down. Hope this works for you as well.
Hi M.,
I am taking my daughter tomorrow for her first appt. and she's almost 2, but she has all her teeth except for her 2 yr molars.
Instead of brushing his teeth, try using a wet wash cloth to wipe away the breast milk. I have heard of breast milk causing problems in their teeth. Especially, when they are breast fed up to 12 motnhs. I guess there is sugar in breast milk and it can cause damage.
I would definately put brusing teeth in the night time routine somewere...even if it is not the last thing you do...maybe give a bit of water after nursing just to rinse out the mouth a bit...Frankly, I never worried about my sons teeth when I nursed him before bed, but when he no longer nursed before bed he started brushing his teeth then getting a story right before bed.
Around that age, we started giving our daughter her own toothbrush after her bath and let her brush her teeth and then pretend to brush ours. She thought this was so much and didn't mind us using the toothbrush in her mouth to make sure the job was complete. Once she was used to the toothbrush I just added it to the bedtime routine. She nurses and then I read her a few books while she brushes her teeth. She's still too young for real toothpaste so its not like she needs to be at the sink to spit. The water from the brush and the increased salivation from having the brush in her mouth is sufficient for ridding the mouth of any residual breastmilk (or any other liquid you choose to give your child before bed).
You'd probably be able to put him down and brush his teeth with a finger tooth-brush and a non-fluoride toothpaste.
He may actually like it since it would be massaging his gums -
Like anything else, you can make it part of his routine. You'll never know unless you try - Also, think in this case, the benefits outweigh the risk. I'd rather try and have a baby screaming for a few nights in a row- (We all know if they're tired enough, they'll fall out anyway) Than have a baby with cavities at three years old!!!!
Good luck,
jean
I agree with the other mom's. You'll have to start making brushing his teeth last, but try and do something after that to relax him once again. I would read to my son (who is 9 yrs now, wow!). Sometimes I'd read more than 2-3 books. hehe. Children need to learn, but there are other things youcan use to get him mellow again and ready for bed.
Good luck with everything!
~H.
M.,
I hear you! My dd won't sleep without nursing, either. She actually still nurses a lot at night. But whether it's breastmilk, formula, crackers, whatever- there's sugar that feeds the bacteria that breaks down tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. A washcloth wipe is good- quick swipe once he's sound asleep shouldn't wake him. Then be sure to brush really well first thing in the morning- you need to help him brush to be sure you get them all clean. Don't fret about nursing him still- you're doing a great thing for him.
Hi. I have an almost 9-month-old son who already has 7 teeth and is working on the 8th (can you believe it?). Anyways, my son has his last bottle of the night at about 6 and goes to bed at 7:30. After his last bottle we give him his flouride and brush his teeth with a baby toothbrush. He loves it when we brush his teeth...he sits there with his mouth open smiling. Too cute. I would recommend trying to brush his teeth. You want to keep them healthy. Good luck!!
