First time parents are overly protective with some things and too relaxed on other things. When Little Brian was a baby we were not good about brushing his teeth, or adhering to a strict bedtime. Eventually we came to our senses and put the child to bed at 8pm each night and never miss a brushing. All of the boys are trained in proper dental hygiene. On occasion even Lincoln takes charge!
As a new parent it would NEVER be acceptable to share sippy cups, pacifiers require sterilization EVERY time they fall, NO sick person is permitted within a 2 mile radius! With two small boys in the same house, ALL bets are off.Each child has his own toothbrush, but when Lincoln uses his toothbrush on Griffin's teeth, what do you do? Two words, Take Pictures! Yes, first time parents rush to the rescue of every scrape, bump, and cry. Seasoned parents get out the camera and capture every angry and pathetic cry for future viewing pleasure.
It would seem that this decreased hyper vigilance comes from apathy. This may in fact be the case, I am not going to lie! However, it also comes from a realization that within two minutes of the "traumatic ordeal" that same child will be smiling and laughing. No matter how well you try to sterilize things and segregate yourself from society, there will still be illnesses. Yes, even if you battle the toothbrush war and apprehend the offending toothbrush before "damage" is done, the germ exchange is just one sippy cup away. Often it is better to just sit back and relax. Suddenly a shocking discovery is made, everything was going to be fine without your help.
I leave you with pearls of wisdom from Little Brian. 
I went to brush Brian's teeth this evening and he said, "Mom did you know there is a bone at the bottom of your mouth?" I told him yes and it is called the Mandible. He told me, "Yeah I knew that." I was curious so I asked, "Wow, who taught you that?" His response, "My brain told me that." "Oh I see," I replied.
We finished brushing his teeth and he asked casually, "What was the name of that bone again?"
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