Any tips on how to clean DC's teeth?

[kusumat]

DD is now 11 months and has 2 lower front teeth. I regularly clean them after meals with a finger brush. Lately, it has been difficult to clean them because she didn't like it and kept moving around and screaming. Please give me any suggestions. Thank you so much.

[jgriffin]

When E first started getting his front teeth in I used to wipe them with a damp washcloth. This worked well for us, because I was already washing his face with a washcloth after meals, so I just used my finger and swiped on his teeth a few times before moving onto the rest of his face. I also used a finger brush before moving onto a toddler toothbrush, but I don't recall E being really bothered by it for long (he doesn't like brushing when he's teething, maybe that's what's going on with your daughter?)

[chiqanita]

I agree with pp. I used a warm wet washcloth until DSx2 had more teeth. Then I switched to the rubber toothbrush and then the bristle type.

The way I brush DSx2 teeth now is by laying them down on the bed or rug, I sit at their head so they're looking up at me. They can't help but open their mouths. Sure they cry sometimes but then I can really get in there and do all of their teeth. I suppose this would work with an 11 month old. Besides, that's how our dentist checks and cleans their teeth so they're used to it when we go for their check-ups.