When to start brushing baby teeth

Tons of cute milestones happen during a baby’s first year, and one is the appearance of those pearly white teeth. Sure, it comes with drooling and crankiness — and watch out: Nothing is funnier to a baby than their newly discovered ability to bite.

But after caregivers have taken pictures for Grandma and Grandpa, the next step is to start cleaning their baby’s teeth to help keep them healthy.

“Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the U.S. — more common than childhood obesity, asthma and diabetes,” says Scott W. Cashion, DDS, MS, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).

To keep a baby, the dentist and the tooth fairy happy, learn about oral hygiene for babies and the products that may help caregivers properly care for their child’s teeth. 

In this article:

When do baby teeth come in?

A baby’s lower front teeth, also known as central lower incisors, will come in between the ages of five and ten months. The upper incisors usually follow a few months later.

It’s OK if a baby’s teeth aren’t following this schedule exactly, but if they are delayed, consult with a pediatric dentist. In fact, it is recommended that caregivers take their child to see a pediatric dentist around their first birthday or six months after their first teeth appear, whichever comes first.

As teeth break through the gums, a baby may experience some pain, drooling, fussiness and sometimes increased temperature. It can be hard to witness, but don’t worry: It’s all part of the teething process. Caregivers may not always know when their baby’s teeth are coming in, so they can keep an eye out for these symptoms.

There are several teething products that can help babies, including cooling gels and various types of soothing objects to chew on, like a firm rubber teething ring. “Just avoid liquid-filled teething rings or any plastic objects that might break,” says Dr. Cashion.

Another trick Dr. Cashion recommends is soaking a clean washcloth in water, freezing it and then gently putting it against a baby’s gums. He also explains that, if a baby is eating solid foods, items like applesauce or yogurt can be very soothing.

When to start oral hygiene for babies

As soon as teeth appear, caregivers should start brushing them twice a day with a toothbrush designed for small children, explains Dr. Cashion.

Actually, caregivers should start cleaning their baby’s gums before teeth appear, he adds. “Prior to teeth coming in, gently rub the gums with a cool, wet washcloth.” Caregivers can also use a clean finger as long as they can’t feel the teeth underneath the gum.

“Rubbing a baby’s gums is a great bonding experience,” adds Marc Lazare, DDS, a dentist based in New York.

Tips for brushing baby teeth

Ready to start brushing? Follow these tips for a smooth experience:

1. Run the toothbrush under warm water to make it softer.
2. Use a very small amount of baby toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.
3. Because the area is soft and tender, brush both the new teeth and the gums in gentle, circular motions.
4. Make sure to brush the teeth twice a day, both in the morning and at night, to ensure that food is removed from the mouth and to establish healthy habits with children. 

Kids’ oral care products to use

When it comes to brushing a child’s teeth, choose products tailored to their age that are also safe and efficient.

Baby toothbrush

When choosing a baby toothbrush, look for a product with soft bristles that is designed for those under age two. That’s important because the brush needs to fit comfortably in the baby’s mouth.

Because caregivers want to encourage their children to start brushing from a young age, notes Dr. Lazare, it also helps to choose a brush that has a wide, easy-to-grip handle. That way, children can grab hold while caregivers do the work.

Baby toothpaste

Instead of just using regular toothpaste for a baby’s brushing routine, caregivers will want to buy baby toothpaste for kids under age 12. Adult toothpaste often has ingredients that may not be appropriate for children, like plaque and stain removers.

But don’t worry about fluoride: Low levels have been shown to be safe for babies and can help build strong and healthy teeth. Caregivers may want to consult with their pediatric dentist first to make sure their children are getting the right amount of fluoride. Dr. Cashion adds that healthy teeth are important because dental caries (or cavities) can rarely make a child more vulnerable to infections in other parts of the body, including the ears, sinuses and brain.

Caregivers should use a rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste for children under three years old. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which is characterized by white spots on teeth.

Kids toothbrush

As a baby’s mouth grows, caregivers should increase the size of the brush head they’re using to clean their teeth. Look for the appropriate age on the packaging of the toothbrush and make sure to replace it every three to four months or more often if the bristles look worn out.

For toothbrushes for kids, continue to use soft bristles to prevent gum irritation or tender spots where teeth are still poking their way through. Because caregivers want their children to associate brushing their teeth with fun, they might try picking a product with a light-up timer or a character their kids like.

Caregivers can also opt for an electric toothbrush for kids. Not only have electric toothbrushes been shown to be better at cleaning teeth and gums than manual toothbrushes, but they also reduce the guesswork for kids who are still learning how to brush.

Kids toothpaste

As children gets older, they may become pickier about the flavor of their toothpaste. Whatever their preference, continue to use a toothpaste for kids that has fluoride to prevent tooth decay, especially as they begin to get their permanent teeth.

When a child is age 3 and older, the amount of toothpaste on the brush should be increased to the size of a pea.