Brushing baby's teeth?!
Question:
Brushing baby's teeth?
My daughter is starting to have teeth pop up. She's past the initial teething phase, and she currently has a few full fledged teeth (not just the tips or edges.) At what point do I need to start brushing her teeth? Is there another form of tooth care for young children? She is still months (maybe a year) away from having the ability to brush on her own.
Answers:
I agree with tangarin. If you can't really use a toothbrush yet, wrap a washcloth around your finger tip and use that to clean the teeth. Become aware of the problems associated with letting your daughter go to sleep with a bottle in her mouth — and don't do it! Okay, if she drinks the milk or juice RIGHT DOWN, it's okay, but the bottle should not stay more than just a couple (maybe five) minutes before you take it away.
No child is really able to brush on their own until they are 5 or 6. You should do a thorough brushing at least once per day until that age. You can let your child brush once or twice a day as she gets a little older, but you still need to do it at least once.