One year old teeth

[moonlovers812]

Ok, so my son who will be 1 year in 5 days, AHHHH, has eight teeth which I've never been to concerned about until reading the thread about the 3 year old with 4 cavities. I've tried to brush his teeth, but because he is so squirmy it's really hard and I don't keep it up. But after reading that info, I'm now scared. I've had bad teeth my whole life, lots of cavities, and I don't want that to happen to him. Any suggestions on how I can make sure his teeth are kept clean? He still nurses, and I only give him water in his sippy cups. Sometimes I'll give him fresh juice in his highchair. He loves his toothbrush, to chew on, and sometimes he'll let me brush the bottom teeth, but not the top. Any helps would be great thanks!!

11 days till we all do 30 day raw challange. Can't wait!!

Thanks

[Guppy]

You can brush baby's teeth with a toothbrush or just your finger and a little piece of gauze. I even think they make a rubber thing with nubs on it that goes over your finger, just for this purpose. I don't think you are suppossed to use any toothpaste yet. Check with your pediatrician.

You need to find a way to make it a game. As baby heads toward two, getting him/her to comply with anything becomes... well, a challenge!

Try not to worry. Keep it all positive and happy for baby's sake.

emily

[dreamrawalwz]

My mom said my sister would scream bloody murder if my mom came near her with a tooth brush from 9-24 months (no clue why!). So while giving her a bath she wrapped a washcloth around one finger and gently rubbed her teeth to clean them.

[Lay-Lay]

my mom used a wash clothe too! I didn't have any cavaties until I was introduced to candy at about 6 or 7 years old.

[cassidy]

I give my 18mos old daughter the toothbrush and let her do it herself. Then I take it and reapply toothpaste and make sure her teeth are clean. I would imagine if she wasn't into "helping" I would take a washcloth and do it with my finger.
Good luck!

[Helen Of Tennessee]

My grandson just turned 3. He's eating high raw (most days all raw) his whole life. His teeth have been fine except for one chip (not sure if it was diet related or one of his falls or when he use to grind his teeth). I think I see a small brown spot starting where the tooth chiped. Anyway he just brushes with water. He copies us and will basically chew on the tooth brush. He doesn't do it everyday, which is something we have to work on. We have bought him some toothpaste from Wild Oats without fluoride and as natural as we could find, but again, he doesn't use it.

[moonlovers812]

Thanks for all the suggestions!!!

[lakoczera]

My daughter is 22 months old and having a dentist as a dad has always made me more conscious about brushing and keeping her teeth clean, mainly for the sake of her gums, which can still be susceptible to gum disease at this age. We're always careful to brush well after she eats dates or raisins, and other dried fruits that are sweet and sticky. She likes to brush her own teeth now. This makes her more willing to let her dad or me brush her teeth, but she still doesn't like it. Sometimes when she is teething, she really fights the brush because it hurts, so then we'll use a washcloth. I think the best thing to do is make sure your child doesn't see brushing their teeth as a negotiation. It is not something that can be skipped and even if they do fight and cry, it will get them into the lifelong habit of taking good care of their teeth.