As a parent, your baby’s first year is packed with exciting milestones. Their first smile, first steps, first words and of course, their first tooth. While celebrating these special moments, it’s equally important to start healthy habits, including caring for your baby’s oral hygiene.
Brushing your baby’s teeth might not be as memorable as their first steps, but it’s a crucial step in promoting good dental health. Here’s everything you need to know about when and how to start looking after your baby’s teeth.
Good oral care begins even before your baby’s first tooth appears. While it may seem unnecessary to focus on a toothless smile, starting early lays the foundation for healthy dental habits.
Before any teeth appear, you can clean your baby’s gums using a soft, damp cloth or a silicone finger brush. Gently wipe their gums after feedings to remove bacteria and prevent plaque buildup. This also helps your baby get used to the sensation of having their mouth cleaned.
Your baby’s first tooth usually emerges between 4 and 12 months. Once it does, begin brushing twice daily using a small, soft bristled toothbrush designed for infants. Brush for two minutes, focusing on the front, back, and chewing surfaces of the tooth. One of these sessions should always follow their last meal of the day.
It’s also time to schedule your baby’s first dental visit. Pediatric dentists recommend an initial checkup when the first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
By this age, your child will likely have several teeth. Continue brushing twice daily and introduce flossing for teeth that touch, especially back molars where food tends to get stuck. If you haven’t already, make sure to establish a routine dental visit schedule.
The method you use will depend on your baby’s age and dental development. Before teeth emerge, use a damp cloth or finger brush to gently wipe their gums. Focus on removing bacteria around the gums and under the lips. When teeth appear, use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children over three years old, or a rice grain sized smear for younger children. Make gentle circular motions along the gumline and on all tooth surfaces. As your child grows, encourage them to spit out toothpaste during brushing to minimize swallowing.
Fluoride is vital for preventing tooth decay, but it’s important to use the correct amount based on your child’s age. Under 3 years, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Ages 3 to 6, increase to a pea sized amount. Supervise brushing to ensure they don’t swallow excessive toothpaste. If too much fluoride is ingested, it can cause mild stomach upset.
When your baby only has gums, you can use a silicone finger brush or a clean cloth to gently wipe their gums and remove bacteria. Once their first teeth start appearing, it's time to transition to a soft bristled, infant sized toothbrush that is gentle on their delicate gums.
As your child grows and develops more teeth, look for a toothbrush with a child sized head, soft bristles, and easy to grip handles. Choosing fun designs or colors can also make the experience more enjoyable for your toddler, encouraging them to participate in the brushing routine.
Not every baby takes to brushing without resistance. If your little one protests toothbrushing, don’t worry this is a common challenge and there are plenty of strategies to make your child love brushing their teeth.
Begin by making your baby feel at ease. Smile, chat, and cuddle with them to create a calm environment before brushing. This helps associate the activity with positive feelings.
Distract your baby with songs or playful routines. Sing a song like “This is the way we brush our teeth” or make up silly tunes to keep your baby entertained. Adding a fun narrative can make brushing time feel like playtime.
If your baby resists the usual brushing routine, try changing their position. Lay them on your lap or the bed with their head close to you. For added help, another adult can join in by playing with your baby while you focus on brushing.
Let your baby hold and explore their toothbrush during bath time or playtime. This allows them to get comfortable with the tool and may make them more willing to let you use it.
If the toothbrush itself is the issue, try using a clean, damp washcloth or gauze with a bit of toothpaste to wipe their teeth. This can be a gentler and less intimidating option for some babies.
Place your baby in front of a mirror while you brush their teeth. Seeing their reflection can be a fun distraction and might make them more curious about the process.
Sometimes, the taste of toothpaste can cause a baby to resist brushing. Experiment with different baby friendly toothpaste flavors until you find one they like.
Dental checkups are an essential part of your baby’s oral health. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend taking your baby to the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears or by their first birthday whichever comes first. Early visits help identify potential issues and establish a foundation for good oral care.
After the initial visit, most dentists suggest scheduling check ups every six months. However, this frequency may vary depending on your child’s oral health needs and risk factors. Consider visiting a pediatric dentist who specializes in children’s dental care.
Taking care of your child’s dental health from an early age is crucial to ensuring they maintain a healthy smile. By establishing a regular brushing routine, you can prevent potential issues and help your child develop strong teeth. As your child grows, aesthetic dental treatments may also come into play.
If you are considering an aesthetic change for your own or your baby’s teeth, Smile Center is here to assist you. With our expert team, we offer high quality services at affordable prices for all your complaints and diagnoses. For a healthy smile and excellent dental care, choose Smile Center and get professional support from our experts.
Brecher EA, Lewis CW. Infant Oral Health. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2018 Oct;65(5):909-921.
Elison, S.; Norgate, S.; Dugdill, L.; Pine, C. Maternally Perceived Barriers to and Facilitators of Establishing and Maintaining Tooth-Brushing Routines with Infants and Preschoolers. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11, 6808-6826.
