tooth/gum care for babies

[bamsmom]

ds (8 mo) has gotten 5 teeth in the last 2 months...what should we be doing to care for is new teeth? is an actual toothbrush needed or is it ok to just use a washcloth or gauze for his gums and little toothlings? he's still exclusively bf'd...although we'll probably be starting to experiment with a few starter foods like avocado or sweet potato within the next few weeks.

TIA!

[deditus]

Spry gel or Spiffies wipes would be great to use.

I really like this tooth brush, which doubles as a great teether:
http://www.firstbrush.com/

[nalo]

I brush DD's teeth once per day and try hard to remember to use Spry gel twice per day although I usually only remember to do it once. If I felt I were doing a perfect job I would be brushing her teeth twice per day and using the Spry 3 times but.....life happens I guess.

[flowmom]

I would recommend using Spry Infant Tooth Gel and a cloth or gauze on your baby's teeth and gums after each nursing and meal. One, that provides hygiene. Two, that gets baby used to your messing around in her mouth. Also, check your baby's upper teeth along the gumline under her lip regularly - that's the first place that early cavities usually hit. Make sure that you and your baby's intake of Vitamins A and D are adequate. Avoid juice, dried fruit, and fruit leather. Make sure that you have a good diet and especially eat your veggies.

[dds07]

MOST DEFINITELY brush those little teeth WELL every day!!

[Koalamom]

Male sure there is no glycerin in the toothpaste since it takes 27 washes to get it off. During that time, your kids saliva could have been remineralizing instead of working to get the glycerin of. I have a 1 yr old, and I use a toothbrush and a washcloth I use a pinch of uncleharrys.com remineralzation powder only.