After having my third child I now let my 16mth old bite chew and suck on her toothbrush whenever she likes this way brushing isnt a worry!
22 Oct 09   Karmon [Meridan Plains  QLD ]

My baby got his first tooth when he was 7 months old, the best thing I did was register him into the national dental database and take him for his first dental visit at the local Intermediate where he saw a dental nurse. They offer amazing advice and alleviated all my fears regarding brushing, toothpaste and snacks etc. Since he is now in the system I will be contacted regularly for future appointments/checkups. Theres nothing quite like talking to a professional and getting great advice from a reliable source.
11 Jul 09   Leanne [Manukau  NZ ]

Toothpaste should be used, but then it is best to get advise from a dentist. As everyone has mentioned, there are specific baby toothbrushes and toothpaste that can be obtained from most supermarkets, chemists etc but it is a matter of getting the right items so that you are looking after their teeth correctly. Good dental practices started early on will lead to good teeth later on.
9 Jul 09   Nathan [St Marys  NSW ]

we are using a pigeon tooth brush on my 11month olds teeth. you can buy them in the baby section of the pharmacy and at the supermarket. they do not need toothpaste until they are older
30 Jun 09   Alana [di  VIC ]

Can anyone please recommend a type or brand of toothbrush & tooth paste to use for first teeth?
29 Jun 09   Narelle [Mudgeeraba  QLD ]

When my little girl got her 1st tooth we went straight to the dentist to pick up information leaflets on how to care for them. We are on tank water without flouride so try and do a good job brushing 2x a day but some days are easier than others. At 1year old she had 8 teeth. I used to develop software for dentists and Ive seen first hand young children having to undergo general anesthestic full mouth extractions of rotting milk teeth in hospital because their parents simply didnt understand that they needed to be brushed.
20 Apr 09   Andrea [Stanmore Bay, Auckland  NZ ]

My baby is is 2 and a half months old and just got his first tooth. I do think good dental hygiene is important and as my baby is so young it is important for me as a parent to ensure I look after his wee teeth until he is old enough to do it himself.
1 Apr 09   Sarah [Blenheim  NZ ]

where oh where do they sell those teething rings thats in the picture??
31 Mar 09   anneke [timaru  NZ ]

My little girl got first teeth at 13months (two weeks ago), she has been copying us when cleaning our teeth for last four weeks and now both morning and night she wants to brush her teeth. Certainly not going to complain, amazing how quickly a good habit can form.
27 Mar 09   Tracey [Miramar  NZ ]

Hello all my son is nine mouths old and still no teeth.My husband brought him a toothbrush about 2 mouths ago and he gives it to him in the morning and at night . He puts it his mouth all by him self now so a great idea for when you babys do get teeth.hope this helps
20 Mar 09   Sandra [Hokitika  NZ ]

My 7 month old daughter just got her first teeth, and weve been wondering if we should brush them! There is a 2 minute song from Playhouse Disney (Do the brush brush brush) which our daughter just LOVES that we will use to keep her distracted. Thanks so much. The earlier the better with dental hygiene!
11 Mar 09   Alisia [Bellmere  QLD ]

I have a baby that just turned one and i never even thought about theething this way now this article has opened my eyes and i will defnitely make use of this thanx a million!!
24 Feb 09   catherine [kwambonambi  KN ]

I personally dont have children, but I have worked in the dental industry for a very long time and when I see little children who are having "kiddie" root canal therapy it breaks my heart. This article is excellent in ways of approching it with your children. The battle may not seem worth it but believe me it is for your childs health and your hip pocket as good dentistry is not cheap.
13 Feb 09   Kymbeley [Forest lake  QLD ]

I dont think any child likes there teeth to be brushed. But yes it can be fun, I have noticed that if my daughter and me brsh our teeth together and make a game of it, it is a lot easier to get her to brush her teeth proparly. This article has given me some good ideas.
21 Jan 09   Serena [New Redruth, Alberton  GT ]

I am a mother of 3. With my first i wasnt very active in getting him to brush his teeth. At the age of 8 he has had a milk tooth removed, two fillings and lost two of his milk teeth. With my 2 year old i am more consistant getting her to brush her teeth at least once a day and some days she will brush them 3 or 4 times (if we have allowed a lot of sweets). Our 8 month old is yet to get teeth but we are aleady planning a course of action for looking after his teeth. This article has given me an insight into things i need to be aware of and things i can discuss with my oldest child.
13 Nov 08   Leila [CLIFTLEIGH  NSW ]