Start cleaning your baby’s mouth from birth, even before any teeth appear. Wiping the gums after each feeding removes bacteria and gets your baby accustomed to oral care early. Once that first tooth breaks through (usually around 6 months), switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush at least twice a day.
Before Teeth Appear: Cleaning the Gums
Wrap a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad around your finger and gently massage your baby’s gums after feedings. This clears away milk residue and the bacteria that feed on it. It also builds a habit: babies who are used to having their mouths cleaned from the start tend to resist a toothbrush less when the time comes.
Switching to a Toothbrush
As soon as the first tooth emerges, begin using a child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush. Silicone finger brushes and banana-shaped teethers can help your baby get comfortable with the sensation of brushing, but they aren’t as effective at removing plaque as a proper bristled brush. Think of them as training wheels rather than a long-term tool.
Look for a brush with a small head, extra-soft bristles, and a short, chunky handle that’s easy for you to grip and safe if your baby grabs it. Brands like Jordan Step 1, Colgate, and Oral-B all make age-appropriate options. Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at plaque removal for older kids, but avoid whole-mouth electric brushes marketed for babies. They look convenient but don’t clean well.
The Right Amount of Toothpaste
Children under 3 should use fluoride toothpaste in a smear the size of a single grain of rice. That tiny amount delivers cavity-fighting fluoride while minimizing the amount swallowed. Once your child turns 3, increase to a pea-sized amount (roughly 0.25 grams) and continue with that dose until age 6. These guidelines come from the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association.
Brushing Positions and Technique
Lay your baby down for brushing. A diaper changing pad works well, or you can set them on soft carpet with their head resting on your lap. This position gives you a clear view inside their mouth and keeps their head steady.
Angle the bristles at about 45 degrees toward the gumline and move in gentle, small circles. Cover all surfaces: the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth, plus the gum tissue around them. You don’t need to press hard. Light pressure is enough to lift plaque without irritating sensitive gums. Aim for about two minutes total, though with only a few teeth in the mouth, it will naturally take less time.
How Often to Brush
Brush at least twice a day. One of those times should be right before bed, so your baby’s teeth are clean overnight when saliva production drops and bacteria are most active. Fit the second brushing into whatever part of your routine works best, whether that’s after breakfast or after an afternoon feeding. Consistency matters more than the exact time of day.
When to Start Flossing
Begin flossing as soon as your child has two teeth that sit right next to each other and touch. A toothbrush can’t reach the tight space between adjacent teeth, and food particles trapped there cause cavities just as easily as plaque on exposed surfaces. Use a small piece of floss or a child-sized floss pick, and slide gently between the teeth in a C-shape against each tooth surface. Many children won’t need flossing until their molars come in, but some babies’ front teeth grow in close together from the start.
Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
One of the most common causes of cavities in young children is prolonged contact between teeth and sugary liquids, including formula, breast milk, and fruit juice. This is sometimes called “baby bottle tooth decay,” and it happens most often when a baby falls asleep with a bottle. The liquid pools around the teeth for hours, feeding the bacteria that produce enamel-destroying acid.
A few practical habits make a big difference:
- Finish bottles before bed. If your baby needs a bottle to settle, have them finish it before you lay them down. Never prop a bottle in the crib.
- Transition to a cup by the first birthday. Choose a training cup without a no-spill valve. Valves force a sucking motion similar to a bottle, while an open or free-flow cup teaches sipping, which exposes teeth to liquid for a shorter time.
- Serve water between meals. Reserve milk for mealtimes and offer water the rest of the day. Juice should be limited and given only with meals, not sipped throughout the afternoon.
- Keep sugary snacks to mealtimes. Saliva production increases during meals, which helps neutralize acid and rinse food particles away. Frequent snacking between meals keeps acid levels high in your baby’s mouth for longer stretches.
The First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit before their first birthday. This might seem early, but the appointment is short and focused on checking for early signs of decay, assessing how the teeth and jaw are developing, and giving you personalized guidance on cleaning techniques and fluoride. Catching problems at this stage is far simpler and less invasive than treating cavities in a toddler.
At this visit, the dentist will also look at your baby’s bite and gum health, and can spot issues like lip ties or tongue ties that sometimes affect feeding and oral development. It’s a good opportunity to ask about anything you’ve noticed, from discolored spots on a tooth to resistance during brushing.