How To Clean Baby Mouth And Teeth

Brushing Baby's Teeth

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on July 15, 2020

From the very first tooth, your baby will benefit from proper dental care. Here's how and when to start brushing your baby's teeth

You might wonder why you should struggle to brush temporary baby teeth that will soon be replaced with permanent versions. But it's essential to take good care of your baby's teeth now and not only because establishing good dental habits early on helps ensure a lifetime of dental health.

Decayed baby teeth can interfere with good nutrition and speech development. If decayed baby teeth fall out, they don't hold a proper place for future teeth, which can make the permanent ones come in crooked.

What's more, not all baby teeth have permanent successors. There are cases when a baby tooth may be in a person's mouth for life.

When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?

Tooth-brushing can begin as soon as baby's first tooth pokes through the gums. Use a clean, damp washcloth, a gauze pad, or a finger brush to gently wipe clean the first teeth and the front of the tongue, after meals and at bedtime.

Pediatric dentists prefer you use toothbrushes moistened with water and no more than a rice-grain size smear of fluoride toothpaste. Brushes should be very soft and with no more than three rows of bristles (a pediatric dentist or your pharmacist can help you find the finger brushes and a proper baby toothbrush).

Toss any toothbrushes that have become rough at the edges (or that are more than two to four months old, because mouth bacteria can begin to build up).

Should I brush my baby's gums?

Pediatric dentists recommend cleaning baby's gums after feedings. Doing so helps fight bacterial growth and promotes good oral health long before baby's first teeth start to appear.

Rather than cleaning baby's gums with a toothbrush, try a soft, damp cloth, or even a soft rubber or silicone finger brush. They're both gentle options with a nubby texture babies tend to love.

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Can babies use fluoride toothpaste?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends using cavity-preventing fluoride toothpaste starting with baby's very first tooth, rather than waiting until age 2 as was previously recommended. Use a rice-grain-sized smear of toothpaste for your baby or toddler, graduating to a pea-sized dollop by age 3.

Don't worry if your baby swallows some of the toothpaste (as she almost certainly will). In such a small quantity, it won't cause any damage. Starting in the second year, you can teach your toddler to spit after brushing.

All About Teething

Teaching baby to brush

Your older baby or toddler will probably want to try her hand at brushing herself; let her give it a go (if she has the dexterity and doesn't just get frustrated), but be sure to follow up with a more thorough cleaning of your own before bed.

To encourage her interest in brushing her teeth, try a fun brush with a favorite character and bright color. Also let her watch you take good care of your own teeth, so she learns that it's a habit to keep for life.

What to do if your baby hates brushing teeth

Unfortunately, not every baby loves having her teeth cleaned — and when baby is teething and her gums are sore and tender, she might be especially resistant. Here's what to try if tooth-brushing time becomes a struggle:

Go easy: Baby's gums are sensitive (even when she's not teething), so if she really doesn't seem to like the brush, try a soft washcloth and a gentle touch.
Sing a song: For some babies, a little distraction is all it takes to make tooth-brushing palatable. Sing a favorite tune while cleaning baby's teeth, or make up silly versions of standards (maybe "Old McDonald had a brush," or "Mary had a little tooth"). Your little one may reward you with a tiny-toothed smile.
Show her how it's done: Seeing Mom or Dad brushing — and enjoying it — helps make a game out of tooth-brushing time. "Mom goes first ... now your turn!"
Let her play: Your baby will probably be curious about the toothbrush or finger brush. Encourage her interest by allowing her to hold the brush and examine it at her own pace. She may even end up putting the brush in her mouth, all on her own.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Frequently asked questions (FAQ).

American Academy of Pediatrics, Brushing up on oral health: Never too early to start, February 2019.

What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.

WhatToExpect.com, Baby Teeth Chart, Types and Order of Appearance, December 2018.

WhatToExpect.com, When Do Babies Start Teething? Basics, Symptoms and Signs, April 2018.