When to start cleaning teeth

[Nellycake]

My DD has (finally) cut her first tooth. It's only a little way out of the gum and I don't know when I should start cleaning it. Any advice?

[shonaspurtle]

I was told by the hv to start cleaning them as soon as they came through. It gets them used to the routine of having their teeth cleaned.

I got Macleans baby toothpaste which is suitable from birth and low fluoride but I think you're ok with a dab of adult toothpaste. I only use a smear anyway. I've started giving ds his toothbrush to chew for a bit and he enjoys "cleaning" his teeth himself! I don't beat myself up if I forget but now that he's getting more teeth will try to make sure we do it every day. I think once is enough atm. Will be interested to see other posts.

[Angeliz]

ds (9 months) has been cleaning his (all 2 of them) for a month or so now. With 2 older sisters to copy he loves getting mucked in

[Soph73]

Hi there. As soon as ds cut his first tooth I used to just use a wet toothbrush and "clean" his teeth twice a day - morning after his breakfast and after his milk before he went to bed in the evening. As soon as he got about 3/4 teeth we started using a small dab of baby toothpaste. He´s 4 now and wants to do everything by himself but I still make sure I go over them after he´s done them. Hope this helps