STANTON
H. WOLFE: Let dad know we are pleased that he’s concerned
about his son’s oral health. And it’s a good question, because
with baby at about 6 months those first teeth are going to start coming in,
and that’s
when dad needs to start brushing those teeth. How then to do a baby’s
teeth at 6 months?
Let dad know that he has two choices. He can sit down and place the baby in his lap with his head against his belly. Or he can cradle baby within the crook of his elbow. Then how do you get the baby’s mouth open so you can brush those little teeth? You can tickle the lips with the toothbrush, and baby will either start sucking on the toothbrush or might start to cry for a moment. But you only need that moment to brush those little teeth.
Now, I know the baby’s 6 months, but you might want to advise dad about different stages in his son’s life. When his son becomes a toddler at age 2 to 5 or thereabouts, then head him to the bathroom and you can both be facing the mirror either standing or sitting. If you’re standing, your son’s head can be gently resting against your belly or chest. And then let dad know also that he can do the same thing sitting and facing the mirror, reaching around to brush his child’s teeth. Dad might ask, “Well, he’s old enough to brush his own teeth isn’t he?” Remind him that a child should not be brushing his own teeth until he’s coordinated enough to do so. This is about the same time that he can tie his shoes, so that’s about age 7. Until then, let dad know that he’s in charge of providing oral health care for his son.