When baby sprouts her first teeth, wiping the teeth and gums down with gauze or a moist washcloth is enough. Some recommend doing this even before any teeth have appeared. Once more teeth start coming in, experts say it may be time to start using a tiny, soft baby toothbrush. Opinions differ on when to start using toothpaste and what kind to use. Some feel fluoride is a good idea even for toddlers, while others prefer to use a non-flouride toothpaste until the child is old enough not to swallow too much of it and others prefer no toothpaste at all. As for kids who are reluctant to brush; some suggest letting them pick fun toothbrushes or brushing your own teeth while they brush theirs to reinforce that “big people brush their teeth, too.” While it is a good idea to lay the foundation for good oral hygiene early on, one study shows that when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth, tooth-brushing habits may matter less for young kids than eating habits. In the study, kids all brushed their teeth diligently, but the group who ate and drank sugary foods had far more cavities than the group who didn’t.
Australian Dental Association
“Oral Hygiene For Babies And Toddlers”
"Once the baby or primary teeth start to appear, it is recommended that parents use a baby’s toothbrush with a small head and soft, rounded bristles. Up to the age of 18 months the teeth should be brushed with plain water and preferably, teeth should be brushed twice a day- morning and evening." …read the full article
Dr. Greene
“Snacks Predict Later Cavities”
"Tooth brushing remains an important habit to teach kids, but in the early years they are not very effective at keeping their teeth clean. Avoiding prolonged contact with sugary drinks or treats is a central part of growing healthy teeth." …read the full article
Children’s Hospital Westmead
“Caring For Your Child’s Teeth”
"Children need to learn how to clean their teeth. Start off by giving your baby a small toothbrush as a toy – bath time is a good time. Start to clean your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear. Use a small, soft toothbrush and water. When the child is older, introduce small amounts of junior fluoride toothpaste onto the brush. Just put a small wipe of toothpaste on the brush. It is best that your child cleans their teeth the last thing before bed." …read the full article
Dr. Sears
“Caring for Little Teeth”
"The best chances for a cooperative baby and clean teeth are to use your moistened gauze-wrapped fingertip as a toothbrush. [?] Once a baby gets a mouth full of teeth, especially molars, a toothbrush works better than a mommy-made, gauze-on-finger brush to get in the crevices between teeth." …read the full article
Raising Children Network
“Teeth And Teeth Care”
"Research has suggested that acidic soft drinks, cordials, or fruit juices such as orange juice may partially dissolve the surface of tooth enamel… Some people have recommended that teeth not be brushed immediately after drinking orange juice or other acidic drinks." …read the full article
