👶How Do I Care for My Baby's Teeth?
Essential tips for keeping your baby's teeth healthy from the very beginning
Starting Early: Why Baby Teeth Matter
Good dental care begins even before your baby's first tooth appears. Healthy baby teeth are important for chewing, speaking, and holding space for permanent teeth. They also help your baby develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
Starting dental care early helps prevent tooth decay and sets the foundation for lifelong healthy teeth. Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they play a crucial role in your child's development.
🍼Before Teeth Appear (Birth to 6 Months)
Even before your baby's first tooth appears, it's important to clean their gums:
🧽Daily Gum Cleaning
- ✓Use a soft, damp cloth or gauze: Gently wipe your baby's gums twice a day, especially after feedings and before bedtime
- ✓Wipe all surfaces: Clean both upper and lower gums to remove bacteria and sugar residue
- ✓Be gentle: Use light pressure and make it a pleasant experience for your baby
When the First Tooth Appears (Usually Around 6 Months)
🪥Start Brushing
- •Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush: Choose one specifically designed for babies with a small head and soft bristles
- •Use fluoride toothpaste: A tiny smear (rice-sized) of fluoride toothpaste is recommended
- •Brush twice daily: Once in the morning and once before bedtime
- •Be gentle: Use gentle circular motions on all surfaces
👨⚕️First Dental Visit
- ✓Schedule the first visit: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing
- ✓Early visits help: Establish a dental home, assess risk for cavities, and provide preventive care guidance
- ✓Build comfort: Early positive experiences help children feel comfortable with dental visits
🚫Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby bottle tooth decay is a serious condition that can destroy your baby's teeth. It occurs when babies are put to bed with a bottle or allowed to drink from a bottle for extended periods.
Do's:
- ✓Only put water in bedtime bottles
- ✓Clean baby's gums and teeth after nighttime feedings
- ✓Wean from bottle to cup by age 12-14 months
- ✓Limit juice and sweet drinks
Don'ts:
- ✗Don't put baby to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, or juice
- ✗Don't dip pacifiers in sugar or honey
- ✗Don't let baby walk around with a bottle
- ✗Don't use bottles as pacifiers
Age-Specific Care Guidelines
👶Ages 6-12 Months
- •Brush teeth twice daily with tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste
- •Schedule first dental visit
- •Begin weaning from bottle
- •Clean teeth after feedings
🧒Ages 12-24 Months
- •Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- •Transition to cup by 12-14 months
- •Regular dental check-ups every 6 months
- •Limit sugary snacks and drinks
👧Ages 2-3 Years
- •Use pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- •Supervise brushing; let child try but parent should finish
- •Teach proper brushing technique
- •Continue regular dental visits
🥗Healthy Eating Habits
Good nutrition supports healthy teeth and gums. What your baby eats affects their oral health:
- Offer a variety of healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Avoid sticky sweets that cling to teeth
- Encourage drinking water between meals
- Avoid frequent snacking - space meals and snacks
- Choose healthy snacks like cheese, yogurt, fresh fruits, and vegetables
❓Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, usually around 6 months. Before teeth appear, gently clean your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings.
How much toothpaste should I use?
For babies and toddlers (under age 3), use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). For children ages 3-6, use a pea-sized amount. Always supervise brushing to ensure your child spits out the toothpaste rather than swallowing it.
What if my baby won't let me brush their teeth?
This is common! Try making it fun: sing songs, use a timer, let them watch you brush your teeth, or try different toothbrushes. Be patient and consistent. Even if they resist, gently clean their teeth - it's important for their health. Most children eventually accept tooth brushing as part of their routine.
Are baby teeth really that important?
Yes! Baby teeth are very important. They help with chewing, speaking, and maintaining space for permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth also help your child develop good oral hygiene habits. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and even affect permanent teeth developing underneath.