What's the best way to clean a baby's teeth? i've seen those tiny toothbrushes that they sell for use on infants, but i remember my mom using a washcloth on my brother; i've also seen dental wipes. are any of these methods more effective than the others?

You : You can use a wash cloth, wet gauze, or a baby tooth brush which are wet with water. This can be done each time after you feed your baby. Light friction of the brush or cloth will help to remove food debris or bacteria. All of these three methods can be affective. You can start this before the baby's teeth have erupted. Take care.

New : New orleans, finger brushes, although your finger usually is not happy with this. Clean gauze will work. Not sure what maybe on that wipe, your suggesting. It is probably for external use only. They won’t like you in there, but start early and it is easier later on. Fluoride toothpaste is not recommended till they learn how to spit. Use the baby toothpaste that tastes sweet without sugar or fluoride. Hope this is helpful, michael i. Wollock, dmd, agd fellow dentistry at suburban square 610-649-0313.

I : I have a whole other take on how to clean a child's teeth based on my personal experience, and i strongly recommend it. By the way doctor fowler's answer is a good one. I like the oral b braun small brush head. Here is what really works. Load your little power brush hear with a toothpaste with a flavor kids like, then insert your thumb into your child's cheek, your index finger on the outside of the lower jaw, and your middle finger under the jaw. You now have your child's head secure and no matter how they scream they can not chomp down and bite your fingers, and the more they protest the easier it is to get in and brush the teeth. With your other hand use the oral b braun to brush their teeth. Do this for two weeks every night and by that time they will just acquiesce and you job will be effortless after that. Three children later, trust me it works. Start flossing as soon as their teeth are touching dr neil mcleod dds dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.