I am seeking advice as to how to best care for my daughter's teeth. She is 13 months old and has 6 teeth. I have been wiping her teeth and gums with a wet cloth before bedtime, but she sometimes resists and I am not sure if it is helping. I notice she has bad breath and I am worried about future cavities. Also, when are children supposed to see a dentist for the first time? Can anyone recommend a good pediatric dentist? Thanks!
Hi! I think dentists recommend that you go between 1-2 years, but pediatricians say 2-3 years. We go to Dr. Niloo in Oakton -- she's great. http://www.oaktonsmiles.com/
The bad breath may be due to teething. I always notice it before new teeth erupt. Get a baby toothbrush and natural toothpaste(Jason brand is good - available at Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods, even some BabiesRus). Make sure she starts to learn that brushing is not optional. Try the easy way with songs and other suggested tricks (I count to 30 with my 20 month old daughter, 60 with my 4 yr old son). If she resists, I lay her on the bed and basically hold her arms down while I brush - now she gets the picture and usually complies.
An excellent pediatric dentist is in Ballston (Arlington, VA). www.drreardon.com. I don't think my oldest visited the dentist until 3 years old and several dentists said that was appropriate. Frankly, they don't do much at that age anyway.
My 14 month old hates to get her teeth brushed. I use a cloth on her teeth, but use the tooth brush to clean her tongue, she loves that. I use natural toothpaste for toddlers (no flouride, toxic). My dentist suggested that I not bring her in for her first visit until she's 2.
It is not too late to brush her teeth with a toothbrush and infant toothpaste. We let our girls walk around with a toothbrush and they bite on it and play with it in their mouth to get used to it.
brush the tongue too! that is where the germs live.
Hi E.,
You can try Berrys children dental in Mitchellvile
berrychildrendental.com
As for resistance -- If you come up with a little brushing song that's only for when you brush, and you use it each time, it can become a fun thing for her, and a song also acts as a timer and lets her know "this will be over when the song's done" and distracts her. Letting her brush in a different bathroom as a treat can distract her too and let you get in a better brushing. Also, try going to shorter brushings twice daily instead of a longer one, once daily. I'd call a dentist about when she should be seen--some may say wait until two, others may want to check her out quickly even before she's two, just to see how her baby teeth are coming in. It's not too soon to get the good habits going!
I would suggest getting a toddler toothbrush and baby tooth paste which is safe to swallow. The brush bristles are gentle and the paste is tasty, so the babies are usually happy to open wide for a cleaning. Wiping without the toothpaste may not get rid of all the cavity-causing germs, and brushing also strengthens the gums. Maybe sing a little song each time you brush her teeth. We work it into our daily & bedtime routine.
Sorry, we just moved here so I can't recommend any dentists, but your pediatrician can tell you about dental care. I don't think they go for their first visit until they're 3, so till then, just brush.
i'd definitely be brushing her teeth and tongue with a training toothpaste (no fluoride). i started taking my daughter to a dentist pretty young at 1 yo. below i'm copying a response i sent to another mom and a link to her request as you may find it helpful.
we have 2 toothbrushes. one is my daughter's and one is mine. first she brushes her teeth and then i brush her teeth. this also keeps the brush that is doing all the work (mine) in better shape. her father reverses the process so that he goes first. for some reason that works better for them.
another idea. let her 'brush' your teeth, with your brush, of course.
It sounds like you're doing the right thing. I think they can go to the dentist as soon as they have teeth. I believe my son started when he was about 18 months old.
