Brushing teeth: when do you start?

[Coolfonz]

Hi there. We have a 9 month old boy who has got his first gnashers, when do folks start brushing them? Any tips?

As soon as they've got teeth I think. You can start just by using a clean finger and low flouride toothpaste.

My dd has been a bit of a nightmare in terms of refusing to have her teeth brushed. I used to have 2 tooth brushes and give her one to play with while taking my chance to brush with the other one.

Start now! We started off with a fingertip toothbrush and some children's paste. It's a bit awkward at first, more smearing it around their mouth as they try to suck it off!

My DS is 19mths now and we have moved on to a kiddies toothbrush and he's used to me getting in there for a brush around before taking the brush himself and he is trying to copy me. We're generally more successful than not!

Before teeth sprouted, had a friend who was a dentist, he said to give dc a brush to play with ie copy me & when I cleaned them get them to lie down & open their mouth. Makes it easier to get to all the teeth.

Cheers!