this was a topic at my baby group last week. Advice given went along these lines... (from British Dental Health Foundation)
When should I start cleaning my baby�s teeth?
Babies are obviously not able to clean their own teeth, and children will need help to ensure that they clean them properly until they are about 7 years old. As soon as teething has started you should start cleaning your child�s teeth.
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How should I clean my baby�s teeth?
As soon as the first baby teeth begin to appear you should start to clean them. At first you may find it easier to use a piece of clean gauze or cloth wrapped around your forefinger. As more teeth appear, you will need to use a baby toothbrush. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste and gently massage it around the teeth and gums. It can be easier to clean their teeth if you cradle your baby�s head in your arms in front of you. As the child gets older it may be difficult to use this technique, but you can gradually give more responsibility for cleaning their teeth to the child. It is important to clean teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Check with your dentist or health visitor if you are unsure about how to look after your baby�s teeth.
Our Oral health advisor said it is a good idea to rub the toothpaste into the bristles as if it just sits on top, the baby will chew/suck it off If the paste is in the bristles, it will be rubbed on the teeth more effectively.
Good luck!
Oh the other thing is apparently babies need toothpaste with a certain amount of flouride in it. We were told..
A smear of 1000ppm flouride as soon as teeth erupt.
1450ppm flouride for 3+ years and adults.
She also said to avoid the "strawberry" flavours etc. as it encourages a sweet tooth.
Should I use fluoride toothpaste?
Fluoride comes from a number of different sources including toothpaste, specific fluoride applications and perhaps the drinking water in your area. These can all help to prevent tooth decay. If you are unsure about using fluoride toothpaste ask your dentist, health visitor or health authority. The current advice is to use a pea-sized smear of a toothpaste containing at least 1000ppm of fluoride. You can check the level of fluoride on the packaging of the toothpaste. Children should be supervised up to the age of 7, and you should make sure that they spit out the toothpaste and don?t swallow any if possible.