Guest Post by Sarah Scott
My father is a dentist, so I grew up knowing that oral care is very important. Since proper oral care begins before the first tooth appears the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists suggests beginning an oral care routine at birth. MAM makes a line of oral care products targeted to children from birth to age three. Babies and children have oral care needs different from adults, so MAM has created products specific to those needs.
It may seem counterintuitive to talk about oral care for babies that have no teeth, but good oral care is a habit that should start early. Parents can care for baby’s gums by cleansing using a soft cloth, like MAM’s Oral Care Rabbit, and water. Cleansing and massaging baby’s gums might help ease some early onset symptoms of teething such as bulging gums, night waking and biting. While babies usually develop a first tooth between 6-12 months of age, symptoms can begin as early as three months! MAM’s Massaging Brush and Bite & Brush are perfect for babies during the teething months because they clean teeth while easing teething pain.
My son is now 19 months old and we started using MAM’s Training Brush and First Brush just a few months ago. The Training Brush is fantastic for my son to hold and use as his first “do it himself” toothbrush because it has an extra long handle that let’s me (mom) guide him as he learns the proper way to brush. This brush allows me to give my son a sense of independence while still giving me the control to know the job was done properly and thoroughly. The super soft bristles gently clean plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums.
The Training Brush has a short, compact handle (perfect for baby’s tiny hands) and special pink bristles indicate the right amount of toothpaste for little ones. [Keep in mind that children should not start using toothpaste until age 2.]
Once teeth have come in, children should brush their teeth at least twice a day (morning and night). It’s important to use a toothbrush that is an appropriate size for your child. In our home we choose to always have two toothbrushes available so my son can hold one and “brush” his teeth while mom goes in with another toothbrush to clean up behind him. My son enjoys brushing his teeth. The key to this is 1) making brushing teeth a normal part of your daily morning and nightly routines and 2) choosing the right oral care products. MAM products are just one step in creating healthy oral care habits for life.
Disclosure: East9thStreet received product in order to conduct this review. Regardless, statements & opinions are 100% mine and yours may differ.
Sarah is a a full-time college instructor, wife to an aspiring Olympic athlete and mom to the greatest blessing in her life. She resides in north-east Arkansas with her family and two dogs, Gracie and Sarge. She has celiac disease and lives a strict gluten-free lifestyle. She is also currently a student of American Sign Language. Her guilty pleasures are red wine and reality television! You can find her at SarahCeliac.blogspot.com.
About Sarah
Sarah is a healthcare administrator, mother of one spunky 6-year old daughter and a travel blogger living in Wichita, Kansas. Join her as she tackles life in the midwest one to-do list at a time.
Great idea, it is never too early to start!
Thanks for the post. I am a pediatric dentist and I actually never tried MAM products before. I will check them out.
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Those oral care rabbits are adorable. Great idea for a baby shower! I have two friends expecting in the next couple of months and have been racking my brain trying to think what to get them since they both have already have several kids and have all of the basics.
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I’ll have to look for the MAM toothbrush – I’m ready to move to that with Erik
I love Mam products! I need to get that toothbrush for my baby – thanks!
I agree with you 100% on this. Some peds say wait till your little one gets teeth but I say satrt by cleaning those gums. It’s important!!
That rabbit cloth is super cute! I am past that point with mine, so I will look into the toothbrush. Thanks for the great information!
I love, love, love, the rabbit cloth – so cute and practical!
Great post, especially for first time moms!