Brushing Your Baby's Teeth

Willow has a tooth. So, I have been wondering about her oral hygiene. I know she is a baby but everything I have read says you should be brushing your children's teeth even if there is only one. The American Academy of Pediatrics even says that "Parents can be encouraged to begin wiping the gums of even a very small infant with a soft washcloth or soft toothbrush, even prior to tooth eruption, because this will help to establish a daily oral hygiene routine for the child."

Children LOVE routine and I can see that this is a good idea. But, I thought I'd check the American Dental Association website for information and tips.

To start off, the ADA has a great PDF that you can download about Tooth Eruption in Infants. (please bear in mind that that the information is all for the "average" baby and if yours is like mine, they are far from average) Their tips include, "Never allow your infant or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or sweetened liquid. Don’t dip a pacifier in sugar or honey. If your infant or toddler needs a comforter between regular feedings or at bedtime, give the child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or pediatrician.

"Wipe your child’s gums with a wet washcloth or a clean gauze pad after each feeding. Begin brushing your child’s teeth with a little water as soon as the first tooth appears. Supervise toothbrushing to make sure that children older than 2 years use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and avoid swallowing it. Children should be taught to spit out remaining toothpaste and rinse with water after brushing."

They also say you should brush your child's teeth until about 2 years of age. (Something to look forward to, YAY!!! Okay, I kid)

Well, since I haven't been brushing her teeth, I guess I need to start!

I don't remember learning to brush my teeth but I do know that I brush my teeth like my dad did. I wonder if Willow will brush her teeth like David does, or like I do? I guess we'll find out one of these days...