Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth at Home

Building strong oral hygiene habits early in your child’s life is crucial as you set them up to build these habits in the long term. For babies, brushing their teeth at home is also a vital part of maintaining their dental health. As they grow in, baby teeth play a vital role in chewing, speaking, and holding space for their future adult teeth.

When to Start Brushing

It's recommended to begin brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, which generally occurs between four and seven months. Prior to this, you can clean your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth to remove food particles after they eat. In both cases, it’s important to keep the teeth and gums clean in order to prevent bacteria buildup.

Choosing the Right Tools

Toothbrush: Ensure you use a soft-bristled brush made for infants. These brushes are designed to be gentle on delicate gums and small enough to fit comfortably in your baby’s mouth, all while still effectively removing food particles and bacteria.

Toothpaste: Consult your pediatric dentist first to ensure that you are using the correct toothpaste for your baby. Generally speaking, children under three who have teeth should be using a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day. This is something we discuss at length at the office!

How to Brush Your Baby's Teeth

Positioning: Depending on what keeps your baby the most relaxed, either hold them in your lap or lay them on a safe, flat surface. Ensure they are comfortable and secure.

Brushing Technique: Gently brush all of their teeth in circular motions. Make sure to cover all surfaces of each tooth, including the front, back, and tops of the teeth.

Duration: Aim to brush for about two minutes, ensuring you clean all areas. Singing a song or counting can help make this a fun, calming experience for your baby. Brush your baby’s teeth at least twice per day.

Establishing a routine for brushing your baby's teeth from an early age sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health and hygiene. It’s also important to schedule your baby’s first dental check-up within six months of their first tooth breaking through. After that, regular check-ups are important to help monitor their dental development and address any concerns early on.

Schedule Your Baby’s Dental Check-Up at Our Gramercy Location Today