When to start brushing teeth

[Taler]

My 9 month old DD's bottom 2 teeth have recently just (finally) poked through.

Just wondering a) how long it takes for them to properly come through (I was stupidly under the impression that once through they'd be properly through!); and b) should I start brushing now even though they still have a little way to go?

[CultureSucksDownWords]

Yes start brushing them now, twice a day. You can get little brushes that they can chew on that will do the job, or a regular child's toothbrush.

[CultureSucksDownWords]

Oh and they will gradually keep coming now they're out, shouldn't be too long till they are fully showing.

[beccajoh]

Brush teeth as they appear. Get them into the routine of it.

[NorahBone]

I think it takes about a week between first emerging from the gum and being full size. Or seems to with ds, who just keeps popping them out like some sort of shark...

[Fixitagaintomorrow]

Start now, you can use a very soft brush or put a smidge of toothpaste on a teether if you use those. HV told me even if you struggle to brush them then at the very least you need to get a bit of toothpaste on the teeth twice a day. Also don't use the kids fruity toothpastes, they recommend regular family toothpaste now. Colgate do a mild mint one that still has 1450ppm fluoride.

[CaramelCupcake]

My 15wk old dd has her first too through! Is that really early?? I have bought a little toothbrush so that we can bring brushing into bedtime routine, and morning i guess.. Assume as she is still only bf i just use the brush dry for now? And try not to feed straight after..? Any other tips? Is it more about routine than actual cleaning at this stage??

[Madamecastafiore]

Buy a spare toothbrush before any teeth come through and give it to them to chew and play with. You'll find you have to fight far less when it comes to actually brushing their teeth if they are used to it being in their mouth.