When To Start Brushing Baby Teeth: Infant Dental Care 101

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Proper infant dental care sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Many parents are unsure about when to start brushing baby teeth, but the answer is simple: start as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears.

In this blog, you will learn about the importance of infant dental health, and when and how to start brushing your baby’s teeth.

When to Start Brushing Baby’s Teeth

Oral care should begin even before your little one’s first tooth appears. 

Let’s explore the timeline for infant dental care and how to establish good habits from the start.

Clean gums before teeth emerge

It’s important to care for your baby’s oral health right from birth. Even though there are no visible teeth, you should clean your infant’s gums. Here’s what you need to do:

• Use a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad wrapped around your finger.
• Gently wipe your baby’s gums after each feeding or at least twice a day.
• This practice helps remove bacteria and milk residue that can accumulate on the gums.
• Cleaning the gums also helps your baby become comfortable with someone working in their mouth.

Start with the first tooth

The moment that the first tiny tooth pokes through the gum is when you should start brushing. 

This normally happens around 6 to 10 months of age. Here’s how to do it:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, designed specifically for infants.
• Apply a small smear of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.
• Brush gently in circular motions, covering all surfaces of the tooth and along the gum line.
• Do this twice a day.

Establish an early oral care routine

Create a consistent oral care routine from an early age. 

Here are some tips to help you establish this important habit:

• Make tooth brushing a part of your baby’s daily routine, just like diaper changes and feedings.
• Let your baby watch you brush your teeth. This will help them understand that it’s a normal, everyday activity.
• As your child grows, encourage them to hold the toothbrush and attempt to brush on their own, but always follow up with a thorough cleaning yourself.
• By age 2, most children can start learning to brush their own teeth, but they’ll need supervision and assistance until about age 7 or 8.

Remember, the goal is not just to clean teeth but to create oral hygiene habits.

Choosing the Right Tools for Baby’s Dental Care

As your little one’s teeth begin to emerge, it’s important to have the right equipment on hand to keep their mouth clean and healthy.

Soft-bristled toothbrushes for babies

Babies have very sensitive gums. 

Bristles that are too firm can cause discomfort or even damage. Look for toothbrushes specifically designed for infants, with extra-soft bristles that are gentle on delicate gums and emerging teeth.

Many reputable brands offer baby toothbrushes with features tailored to infant oral care. For example, some brushes have a small head size that fits comfortably in a baby’s mouth, while others have a larger handle that’s easy for parents to grip.

It’s also important to replace the toothbrush every two to four months to prevent bacteria buildup.

Finger toothbrushes and washcloths

Before your baby’s first tooth appears, you can start cleaning their gums with a soft, damp washcloth or gauze pad.

As your baby grows, you might want to try a finger toothbrush. These silicone brushes fit over your finger and have soft nubs that gently clean your baby’s gums and first teeth. Finger toothbrushes can be an excellent transitional tool between using a washcloth and introducing a regular toothbrush.

Fluoride toothpaste for infants

The American Dental Association and the America’s Pediatric Dentists recommend using a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) as soon as the first tooth appears. This tiny amount is safe when swallowed and helps to prevent tooth decay.

When your child reaches the age of 3, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount. It’s important to supervise brushing and encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste as they get older.

Learn more about the best toothpaste in this blog: What Is the Best Toothpaste for Kids?

Step-by-Step Guide to Brushing Baby Teeth

A relaxed position for your baby and a clear view of their oral cavity are important. Here are some techniques to try:

• Mirror method: Sit on a stool in front of a large mirror with your baby on your lap, their back against your chest. This allows both of you to see what’s happening.
• Changing table technique: Use the familiar environment of the changing table. Raise your baby’s head to get a good view of their mouth.
• Cradle hold: Similar to breastfeeding, hold your baby in the crook of your arm while brushing. Keep in mind that this method leaves you with only one free hand.

Gentle brushing techniques

When brushing your baby’s teeth, use gentle, circular motions to clean all surfaces effectively. Here’s how to do it:

1. Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the teeth meet the gums.
2. For the upper jaw, hold the brush at an upward angle; for the lower jaw, use a downward angle.
3. Brush each tooth individually, using circular motions.
4. Clean the inner and outer surfaces, as well as the chewing surfaces.
5. Pay special attention to the back molars, which can be tricky to reach. Hold the brush vertically to clean them properly.
6. Gently brush the gums to remove any food particles and stimulate healthy gum tissue.
7. Don’t forget to clean the tongue and the insides of the cheeks.

Duration and frequency of brushing

1. Brush your baby’s teeth twice a day – in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed.
2. Aim for about two minutes once the first molars have emerged. If only the incisors (front teeth) are visible, one minute is sufficient.
3. For infants with no teeth yet, wipe their gums after feedings and before bedtime.
4. As your child grows, encourage them to brush their own teeth at about 7 or 8 years old.

Make It Fun!

There are a lot of ways to make brushing fun. Here are a few suggestions that work well for many parents. 

Incorporate songs and games

Music can be a powerful tool to engage your child and make the process more fun. Play a catchy tune that lasts about two minutes, which is the recommended brushing time.

For a more adventurous twist, try the “Freeze Dance Brushing” game. Play your child’s favorite songs while they brush, and when you pause the music, they have to freeze. This game ensures they brush for the full two minutes without rushing through it.

Use colorful toothbrushes

Let your little one pick a toothbrush with their favorite character or in their preferred color. Many brands offer toothbrushes with fun designs, such as animals or superheroes, which can make brushing more exciting.

Consider having a few different toothbrushes and let your child choose which one to use each time. This gives them a sense of control and makes the experience more engaging.

Lead by example

One of the most effective ways to encourage good brushing habits is by setting a positive example. Brush your teeth alongside your child, showing them that it’s a normal, everyday activity.

You can pretend to have a conversation with your toothbrush, arguing with it for not doing a good enough job. Use your imagination to come up with silly scenarios that will make your child laugh and enjoy the process.

Check out these Creative Ways to Encourage Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

Schedule Your Baby’s First Dental Visit in Phoenix, AZ

Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.

An early dental visit lets us check your baby’s teeth, discuss brushing techniques, and spot any early signs of decay. As a pediatric dentist that accepts Medicaid, we aim to make dental care accessible and affordable for every family.Our experienced pediatric dentist, Dr. Henry Martinez, offers gentle and compassionate care to make your child’s first dental visit a positive experience. To schedule an appointment call (602) 935-7427 or complete an online inquiry form!