When and how do you brush a baby's teeth?

[minesarioja]

To questions for you experts:
My DS is 6 months and has two Bugs Bunny teeth.

1. Am I supposed to get a special brush?
2. If he has his milk last thing before bed do you try to brush after that since milk contains lactose and could start rotting his teeth through the night? Maybe silly questions but I'm puzzled. Thanks!

Brush as soon as they have teeth. We got DD a little toothbrush and she's been fine with that - other friends got finger brushes or chewable brushes but it doesn't really matter. I was advised by the dental health bod to use minty toothpaste though so they get used to the flavour.

You use the tiniest smear of toothpaste (almost none at all) and don't rinse after brushing. We found we changed her routine at about a year so that she was having her milk earlier and then bath (and teeth), stories and bed. I think the next little while isn't too much of a problem - but if you wanted to, give milk in bedroom, then quick brush and put down.

Hope this helps. I was told it's not too vital till they are a little older, but useful to get into a routine early.

my ds is 10 months and I use a 0-2 toothpaste so he gets the taste and I let him play with the brush while in the bath so he gets used to it, I also brush my teeth in front of him in the mornings and he mimics my face pulling, you can also get a flanel that is shaped like a rabbits head that is designed so the chew it and it helps clean their teeth its made by Mam and they sell them in bigger boots.

My DS is 9 months and he has had teeth since 5 months. I have a little toothbrush and 0-2 toothpaste, I just brush his teeth in the morning. I dont wanna risk waking him up by shoving cold minty stuff in his mouth when i have spent two hours on his bedtime routine in the evening! IMO the twice a day thing can wait til he is a little older.

Thanks All! And for those links, Galena. The not spitting out thing was useful to know. I guess I can just do it in the bedroom after his milk.