Brushing baby's gums?

I never did it. I don't think it's necessary. The pediatrician never mentioned it. I'd just let that one go. :)

We started at 4 months with the one that slips over the finger. Once he had cut a couple teeth by 6 months we moved to the stick with the nubs all around the edge. This one is great because after I am done brushing I let him chew on it to finish brushing. He loves this and I can even get him to finish his dinner if he is fussing by saying when he's done he gets to brush his teeth (he's only 8 months old!). He'll quickly gobble down the last 3 or 4 bites and then as soon as he sees his toothbrush he reaches for it with a big smile. You don't start using a toothbrush with bristles until their molars come in (at least that's what I was told and that's on the package of toothbrushes I bought).

It certainly isn't going to hurt to start early and will make it so that they don't even question brushing their teeth after they eat, it will be habit and hopefully one they enjoy. Either that or my son is just destined to be a dentist.

i brused my sons gums since he was about 2 months, this gets him used to the idea of brushing teeth everyday, and gets a good habit started... he loves getting his gums brushed now that he has 2 baby teeth in (hes 7 months old) i brush them once in the morning and once in the evening...they can stll develop bacteria on the gums after eating so i brush it away...

You know that film in your mouth when you first wake up? Babies get it too. Brushing their gums keeps their gums and mouths healthy, which is vital for healthy teeth. I have 8 kids (15yrs - 6 yrs) and they all have healthy, beautiful teeth. Not a single cavity. Started brushing their gums from day one.

lol, you sound like I did when I had my 1st baby in 05'

So many things were like "OK??? And this is for.... what now?" :)

You don't 'have to' brush their gums, especially using the tool you're referring to. (yeah, I had it too!) This is something that is purely optional. The only time my Dr. recommended brushing the gums was when I started feeding my son rice cereal, crackers etc 4-6months old.

Congrats on your baby!! :)

I have never brushed my childs gums before he had teeth as he didnt eat solid food till he had teeth.

When his 1st tooth apeared thats when i introduced him to brushing, now he does it his self, im not sure if its necessary, but if a baby is teething it may help for the teeth to come through.

Unless its to keep the gums healthy if they have sugary foods.

brushing the gums is good. dont over brush. its not neccessary to use any tooth paste. Once they start teething it may actuall feel good to them, it also gets them use to having something placed in their mouth and promotes health of the baby. It also makes you aware of any changes in your babys mouth eg. thrush, new teeth etc.

I wash my son's gums everyday. I figured that if I start now he'll be used to having his teeth brushed when they come in. You can never start too early for good oral heath.

i have heard of this before, it helps releive pain, and the gums to soften for them when thier teeth are trying to come through. you can also get a toothbrush, but the brisels are made of rubber, you put it in the freezer and then let them chew on it, it also helps alot. I'm not quite sure where youd get them from though. maybe a chemist.

it is a good idea to promote healthy gum and teeth that will eventually follow. That is why you have the brushes in stages.

i was told by a nurse who works with our local WIC dept that once i started my daughter on solids to wipe her gums after eating.