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   noodle  
   
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     Topic: teeth question     Posted: 03 May 2009 at 7:12pm | 
 
 
  
   
   
   Rory has just cut his first tooth, before now i have been told and read that as soon as they get teeth to start brushing them with a weeny bit of tooth paste, he is only 4 and a half months old and only being breast fed (yes my nipples are another slight worry lol) I dont have an issue at all with brushing it but does he really need the toothpaste this young? if so i really dont mind but i was just wondering lol
 sorry its probably a really dumb question hahaha    
    
   
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   bex88  
   
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     Posted: 03 May 2009 at 7:15pm | 
 
 
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   you'll probably get a heap of different answers, With DS Plunket told me just to wipe with a damp cloth after each meal (he was 8 &1/2 months so eating solids already).
    
   
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   lisa85  
   
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     Posted: 03 May 2009 at 7:17pm | 
 
 
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   I have to admit I have only just started using toothpaste on the girls and they are almost one. If he's only being breastfed and not having solids I wouldn't worry. I've been brushing their teeth for months with just water.
    
   
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   noodle  
   
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     Posted: 04 May 2009 at 9:40am | 
 
 
  
   
   
   Yea he isn't having solids yet, Bex i didn't think about just a damp cloth...what a good idea, and congrats on your pregnancy chick!    Lisa i thought i might just brush it for water for a while im sure it wont do any harm.     thanks ladies!     
    
   
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   fire_engine  
   
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     Posted: 04 May 2009 at 10:52am | 
 
 
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   The latest guidelines are using a toothbrush and toothpaste from when it comes through (Plunket & Otago Dental School).  Tooth decay can start early.
 As soon as Daniel's tooth came through, we started brushing. He loves it and when we brush our teeth, he sits there with his mouth open asking for his to be brushed!  
 
 Disclaimer - I am a little on a soap box as Daniel has a heart condition and there is a high link between oral bacteria and heart infection.
    
   
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   Shezamumof3  
   
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     Posted: 04 May 2009 at 11:14am | 
 
 
  
   
   
   Plunket told me to start brushing cadens teeth as soon as they came in, as the milk can cause tooth decay.
 
Caden has a little toothbrush and the milk teeth toothpaste which is very mild and I only use the tiniest amount. He LOVES chewing on his tooth brush, I give his two teeth a wee brush when he has his bath/shower and then let him suck and chew on his tooth brush, as it massages his gums at the same time   
    
   
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   noodle  
   
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     Posted: 04 May 2009 at 12:15pm | 
 
 
  
   
   
   oh ok, i shall buy some milk teeth toothpaste and use that with is brush, lol talk about mother that cant make up her mind! thanks    
    
   
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   MissAngel  
   
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     Posted: 04 May 2009 at 6:59pm | 
 
 
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   Err.. we dont brush Thomas's teeth and I did wonder about when we were supposed to start. I guess because we dont go to plunket, I wouldnt have known! I think i'll try the toothbrush over the cloth - I appreciate my fingers and i'd rather they stay attached to my hand. 
    
   
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   noodle  
   
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     Posted: 05 May 2009 at 8:01pm | 
 
 
  
   
   
   hehe i brushed his bit of tooth tonight in the bath and he loved it    
    
   
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   angel4  
   
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     Posted: 05 May 2009 at 8:09pm | 
 
 
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   henry got his first 4teeth at 4months and we started brushing (with toothpaste) then. Thought id add regarding the coment about your breasts. Henry only bit me a couple times each time he got a new tooth. I would stick my finger in the side of his mouth to release the suction, take him off and put him on the floor as i said 'dont bite mummy' he learnt pretty quick that biting delayed his feeding. He now has 8teeth and hasnt biten me in over a month
    
   
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   emz  
   
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     Posted: 05 May 2009 at 8:21pm | 
 
 
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   Yep start brushing as soon as they come through. My boy got his first at 4.5 months too and it did seem weird but now he LOVES brushing his teeth!
 
 regarding toothpaste, the latest guidelines also state that unless you have fluoride in your water, you should be using a normal toothpaste with added fluoride (as in adult toothpaste). it can be milkd or whatever but has to have fluoride if your water doesn't provide it. So baby toothpastes without fluoride are often not that helpful.
    
   
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   busymum  
   
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     Posted: 06 May 2009 at 1:06pm | 
 
 
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   I dont bother with toothpaste until after 1yr
    
   
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   fire_engine  
   
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     Posted: 06 May 2009 at 2:16pm | 
 
 
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   Also on the fluoride thing (not wanting to start a debate) - but baby toothpastes from Aussie have much lower fluoride than baby toothpastes from other countries. So if you are concerned about fluoridation, then look at where it was made/how much is in it.  We just use adult toothpaste - just a tiny amount.
    
   
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