Dental Care for Your Baby

Caring for Your Baby’s Gums

Before any teeth emerge, gently caring for your baby’s gums is essential. After feeding, wrap a clean, damp washcloth or gauze around your finger and softly wipe your baby’s gums. This removes leftover milk or food and gently introduces your baby to daily oral hygiene.

Introducing Baby’s First Tooth

Once that first tooth appears, it’s time to switch to a baby toothbrush. You can choose between a long-handled brush that you and your child can hold together, or a small finger brush that fits on your pointer finger. Both options have soft, gentle bristles perfect for sensitive gums.
If your baby resists the toothbrush, don’t worry. Go back to using a damp washcloth for a few weeks, then try the toothbrush again. During teething, your baby will want to chew on many things—sometimes a baby toothbrush with a teether can become a favorite chew toy.

Using Toothpaste Safely

As more teeth come in, you can start adding a tiny dab of fluoridated toothpaste—about the size of a grain of rice—to your baby’s brush. It’s important to keep the amount small to protect your baby’s developing teeth.

Preventing Cavities Early

Avoid giving your baby sugary drinks like soda or flavored juices. Even natural sugars in formula, milk, and breast milk can increase the risk of tooth decay. Regularly cleaning your baby’s teeth and gums is key. Also, never allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle, as prolonged exposure to sugars can cause baby-bottle tooth decay.

Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

We recommend scheduling your baby’s first dental appointment within six months after their first tooth appears—usually by their first birthday. Early visits help us spot any concerns early and guide you on the best care practices. A positive attitude about dental visits helps your child feel comfortable during checkups.

Leading by Example

Children learn by watching you. Brush and floss your teeth while your child observes, helping them understand the importance of oral care. When your toddler shows interest, give them their own toothbrush and let them “brush” alongside you. Look for toothbrushes with chunky handles that are easy for little hands to grip. Remember, most kids need help brushing effectively until around age six or seven. Make brushing fun with flavored toothpaste, character toothbrushes, or songs to encourage healthy habits early on for a lifetime of strong, cavity-free teeth!