Infant Care & Counseling

Caring for Gums & First Teeth

Before your baby’s first tooth appears, gently clean their gums with a damp cloth after feedings.

Once that first tooth erupts, start brushing with a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. Gradually increase to a pea-sized amount as more teeth come in.

Your Baby’s First Tooth

Once your child’s first tooth erupts, you’ll need to upgrade to a baby toothbrush. You have a couple of options here:

• Long-handled: You and your baby can hold this type of toothbrush together for a more interactive experience — which can help build good brushing habits.
• Finger-puppet toothbrush: This type fits over the tip of your finger so you can gently massage the toothpaste over their erupted teeth.

The bristles on either type should be soft and few, and toothpaste at this stage is optional, so you can just dip the brush in water before brushing.

If your child isn’t a fan of the toothbrush just yet, don’t stress — you can keep using a damp washcloth and either try the toothbrush later or slowly introduce it by switching between the brush and a cloth.

While teething, your child will want to chew on just about anything, so a baby toothbrush — especially one with a teether — can be a favorite toy during the teething process.

Recommended Brushing Habits

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that you brush you child’s teeth as soon as their first baby teeth erupt.

Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriately sized toothbrush twice daily to clean your child’s teeth.

When your child is three- to six years old, you should increase the toothpaste amount to a pea-size dollop.

Avoiding Early Cavities

Protect your baby’s teeth by avoiding sweetened drinks and not letting them sleep with a bottle. These simple steps can help prevent early childhood decay and set the foundation for a healthy smile.

First Dental Visit

Schedule your baby’s first dental visit within six months of their first tooth, typically around their first birthday. Early checkups help prevent issues and ensure your baby is comfortable with dental care.

Setting a Good Example

Take advantage of your child’s tendency to mimic as part of their natural learning process. Brush and floss daily while your child watches so they can learn how important good dental hygiene habits are at an early age.

Here’s how:

• Offer your child a toothbrush as soon as they show interest
• Let them stand in the bathroom with you
• Encourage your toddler to brush alongside you

Clunky, short-handled toothbrushes are easy to grip for tiny hands, but the trick is not to rely on them to fully take charge of their brushing at this young age.

Encourage their curiosity and enthusiasm, but most children don't have the dexterity to thoroughly clean their teeth until they're about six or seven — so you'll still have to brush their teeth. This stage is just about encouraging and fostering good habits.

Try different tactics to make brushing fun:

• Flavored toothpaste
• A toothbrush with their favorite character
• Singing songs about brushing

The primary goal is to instill healthy oral habits early to prepare your child for a lifetime of healthy, cavity-free teeth!