How to Brush a Baby’s Teeth: It’s Never Too Early to Start

Good oral health is a lifelong endeavor, and the sooner your child starts, the better. Your Cincinnati dental provider will tell you not to wait until your baby becomes a toddler to make oral health a priority. Though your child’s first set of teeth is temporary, they form the foundation for when adult or permanent teeth eventually appear.

Proper care of your child’s teeth from an early age encourages healthy development, wards off disease, and starts them off on a path of healthy habits. Brushing is just as important for babies as it is for children and adults. Here is some guidance on when and how to begin your child’s oral hygiene routine.

How Soon Should You Start Brushing?

Even before your child’s first tooth comes in, you can begin cleaning the gums with a washcloth or finger brush designed for babies. As the first tooth emerges, start brushing it with a small amount of toothpaste and a baby toothbrush. Typically made of soft rubber, infant brushes fit on your fingertip. Some work similarly to pacifiers.

Baby Tooth Brushing 101

Use a toothpaste designed for babies. This will have a more pleasing flavor and won’t be harmful if swallowed. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about getting your child to spit it out.

Make sure your baby’s toothpaste contains fluoride. Doctors used to warn against using fluoride until children were toddlers. That has since changed as fluoride has been found to not only be safe for infants but also effective in promoting oral health.

Gently brush all around your child’s first teeth — front and back. Even when a baby isn’t teething, their teeth will be sensitive. If the brush is too harsh, use a soft washcloth instead.

Keep It Fun and Build Bonds

You can take several steps to make brushing time enjoyable and engaging for your little one. Sing a silly song to help them relax and make the process more fun. Using the same song each day can help your child associate it with pleasant memories of brushing their teeth. Babies love routine because it makes them feel safe.

Be playful. Laugh and giggle. Tickle gently. Cuddle and kiss the top of their head. Give your child plenty of affection during the brushing process.

Be a Brushing Role Model

Brush in front of your child and explain what you’re doing. Demonstrate how you brush your teeth before your child begins. Make sure to have fun while you brush. Again, reinforce positive, pleasant memories. This can have a lifelong impact on their oral health.

At Beckham Square Family Dental, we strive to support your family’s oral hygiene. Whether you need preventive checkups with professional cleanings or restorative treatments like whitening or repairing broken fillings, you can rely on us for your dental care needs. We provide gentle and educational dental care that promotes oral health for patients of all ages.