Cleaning baby's teeth

[TestingTestingWonTooFree]

DS is 9 months old and finally has some teeth. How do I clean them? He's very reluctant to let me anywhere near him with a toothbrush and clamps his mouth shut. Help?

[Latium123]

Have you tried brushing your own teeth in front of him each day? That might help him to see it is something that we all do. Maybe try to make it fun, sing a song or brush a toy's teeth first. You could let him brush his own teeth for a bit first and then you could take over and make sure it is done properly. You can also get various different things to brush baby's teeth with - you can use a muslin cloth if he objects to the brush, there are chewable toothbrushes, a toothbrush that you put over your finger or small baby electric toothbrush. My DD loves her electric one and i find we can get her teeth brushed very quickly with it, although she is cooperative. Lastly, remember that you don't have to worry about brushing for a great length of time at this point, just making sure it is done twice a day. Good luck!

[TestingTestingWonTooFree]

Thanks Latium, that's lots of things for me to try.

[squizita]

I bought a finger toothbrush which my 8 month old is happy to let in her mouth. Ebay have them.

[TestingTestingWonTooFree]

Squizita (I think I remember you from the ante natal threads) thanks. I've bought one today, hopefully DS will co-operate with it.