Brushing Teeth - Union City, CA

Hi A.,
Now is the time to establish good brushing habits. This may be the first of many power struggles you will have with your little guy. First of all, get a regular infant's brush if you don't already have one. The finger ones are great unless he is a biter. (which you said he is) Also get an infant toothpaste with xylitol like Oral-B baby. Try laying him on your lap with his head between your knees and just start brushing. Most likely he will scream and cry, but it does make it easier to brush.:) If he really wiggles, wrap him in a big towel. I had to hold my daughter down at this age for a few weeks until she realized she didn't have an option. You may also try taking turns. I don't suggest only letting him brush as he won't get all the plaque off and could end up with early childhood caries, which is on the rise in the U.S. I hated holding Paige down and brushing while she cried, but having to get dental work done on a little one is SO much worse, not to mention expensive. You may also want to take him for his first dental visit to meet the dentist. Email me if you have question.
Sincerely,
L.

PS If you live in an area that doesn't have fluoridated water, check with your pediatrician about fluoride drops.

go get the kind that fits over your finger with teeny rubber bristles. It comes with a non-flouride gel, but you don't even really need it.

Just rub it gently over his teeth and play with him and let him suck and gum it while it's on your finger, so that he gets used to something being in his mouth and touching his teeth.

You can also wipe his teeth with a clean, warm wrung out washcloth(the baby ones are perfect)or a piece of sterile gauze with some warm water on it. That's what our dentist said to do with our daughter if she fell asleep before we could get her teeth brushed at night (we never let that happen anymore.)

A.,
use a mild toothpaste if any at all. Kids don't go for the
mint flavors. They like the stinky bubblegum,or fruit flavors, as they burn less to them. Maybe give him one toothbrush he can play with himself, and one that he really brushes his teeth with, then he can get used to it with his own hands also.
W.

Have you tried any of the yummy children's toothpastes? There's even one without fluoride. Maybe having the treat of yummy toothpaste and a chance to 'take a turn' at it, that might help.
Good luck A..

my son bites if you put your finger in his mouth but he has watched us brush our teeth and i just hand him the tooth brush and he does it himself now and then sometimes lets me tuch them up good luck it does take time