When to Start Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth (and How to Do It Right)
Your baby’s first tooth is a precious milestone — not just for adorable photos, but also as the beginning of a lifelong habit: oral hygiene. Many parents are unsure of when to start brushing, what tools to use, or how to make it a positive experience.
The good news? Brushing your baby’s teeth doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With a few simple techniques and a gentle routine, you can protect your little one’s smile from the very start.
This guide will walk you through when and how to start brushing, what tools to use, how to keep it fun, and what dental habits to establish for long-term health.
When Do Babies Get Their First Teeth?
Every baby is different, but most get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age. Some may be born with a tooth (rare, but possible), while others don’t cut their first tooth until after their first birthday.
Typical tooth eruption pattern:
- Bottom central incisors (the two front bottom teeth) are usually first
- Followed by top central incisors
- Then side teeth, molars, and finally canines
By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
When Should You Start Brushing?
The best time to start oral hygiene is before the first tooth comes in. Starting early helps your baby get used to the process and builds a foundation for lifelong healthy habits.
From birth:
- Clean your baby’s gums once a day using a soft, damp cloth or infant finger brush
- Wipe gently after feedings or before bed
After the first tooth appears:
- Begin brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush
- Use a rice grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste (not a pea-size — that’s for older children)
- Continue to clean the gums along with the new teeth
The earlier you start, the more natural brushing will feel for both of you.
Why Brushing Baby Teeth Matters
Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a crucial role in your child’s health and development.
Healthy baby teeth:
- Support speech development
- Help your baby chew food properly
- Maintain space for adult teeth to grow in correctly
- Reduce the risk of early childhood cavities (ECC)
- Prevent pain, infection, and costly dental procedures
Tooth decay can begin as soon as the first tooth erupts, which is why early care is essential.
What You’ll Need to Brush Your Baby’s Teeth
You don’t need a lot of equipment to take care of baby teeth, but choosing the right tools makes brushing more effective and comfortable.
Oral care tools:
- Baby toothbrush: Soft bristles, small head, easy-to-grip handle
- Fluoride toothpaste: Designed for infants; use a very small amount
- Finger brush (optional): Good for teething and gentle gum massage
- Washcloth: Great for cleaning gums before teeth come in
- Water: Use to help rinse or wipe away toothpaste, though rinsing isn’t necessary
Avoid toothpaste with whitening agents or artificial sweeteners, and never use adult toothpaste for a baby.
How to Brush Baby Teeth: Step-by-Step
Brushing can be a fun bonding experience — or a wriggly, giggly challenge. Either way, consistency and patience are key.
How to brush:
- Sit your baby in your lap or hold them facing a mirror
- Gently lift their upper lip to access the gum line
- Use gentle circular motions to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth
- Don’t forget to gently brush the gums and tongue
- No need to rinse — just wipe any excess toothpaste with a clean cloth if needed
Keep each session short and positive — even a quick brush is better than none.
Should You Floss Baby Teeth?
Flossing becomes important when your baby has two teeth that touch, usually between 18 months and 3 years.
When to start:
- Begin flossing once a day when tight contacts appear
- Use soft floss picks or floss sticks made for children
- Gently slide the floss between teeth and curve around each tooth surface
Establishing a flossing habit early sets the stage for a healthy, lifelong routine.
Making Brushing Fun and Stress-Free
Brushing doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right approach, it can be a playful, bonding moment in your day.
Fun brushing tips:
- Let your baby hold the toothbrush while you guide their hand
- Brush in front of a mirror to let them watch
- Sing a brushing song or play a short video
- Use a timer or sand timer to make brushing a game
- Cheer and clap after brushing — celebrate effort, not perfection
It’s okay if brushing isn’t perfect every time. What matters is that you’re creating a consistent, positive experience.
Dealing with Teething and Discomfort
Teething can make brushing more challenging, as your baby’s mouth may feel sore or sensitive.
How to help:
- Use a cool toothbrush or chilled silicone teether before brushing
- Massage gums gently with a clean finger
- Choose soft toothbrushes and avoid brushing irritated areas too firmly
- Try brushing at a different time of day when your baby is more relaxed
If your baby is consistently upset, focus on gentle gum cleaning and try again later.
First Dental Visit: When and What to Expect
Pediatric dental experts recommend scheduling your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting — whichever comes first.
What happens at the visit:
- A gentle exam of the teeth, gums, and jaw
- Discussion about brushing, fluoride, diet, and pacifier use
- Assessment of teething progress and bite alignment
- Tips on preventing cavities and thumb-sucking issues
Early visits help your child become comfortable with dental care and allow the dentist to detect any early concerns.
Tips for Parents: Making Oral Care a Habit
Starting early is one part — sticking with it is the other. Babies thrive on routine, and building healthy oral care habits takes time.
Parent checklist:
- Brush twice a day (morning and night)
- Replace toothbrush every 2 to 3 months, or when bristles are worn
- Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle (milk can cause decay)
- Wipe gums after feeding, even before teeth appear
- Offer water after meals to help rinse the mouth
- Encourage a healthy diet low in sugary snacks and drinks
Consistency is key — your baby won’t master brushing right away, but they’ll learn by doing (and watching you!).
Final Thoughts
Brushing your baby’s teeth may seem like a small step, but it builds the foundation for a lifetime of oral health. With early habits, gentle techniques, and a little creativity, you can make brushing a natural part of your family’s daily rhythm.
Start early, stay patient, and keep it playful — soon, brushing won’t just be a task. It will be a ritual filled with smiles, giggles, and healthy habits that last a lifetime.
You’re doing something amazing for your baby — one tiny tooth at a time.
