How to Care for Your Baby’s Teeth
 Category | Teeth |
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Medically reviewed by pediatrician Alexandra Zglavosiy
Oral care starts even before the first tooth appears. Gently clean your baby’s gums, and once a tooth comes in, brush it twice a day using a soft brush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice). Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle. Schedule the first dentist visit by age one.
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Quick takeaways
- Oral care starts even before the first tooth — gently wipe your baby’s gums.
- Once the first tooth appears, brush it twice a day with a soft toothbrush.
- Use a safe fluoride toothpaste — no more than a grain of rice.
- Don’t put your baby to sleep with a bottle — this increases the risk of cavities.
- The first dental visit should be by age one or after the first tooth erupts.
Teething: a signal to start care
Teeth begin forming in the womb, but usually erupt around 4–7 months.
The first teeth are often the lower front incisors. Teething may bring:
- Drooling
- Desire to chew on objects
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
How to help your baby feel better
- Offer a teether
- Massage the gums gently with a clean finger
- Ask your pediatrician about pain relief if needed
Oral care before and after teeth appear
Before teeth
Wipe baby’s gums with soft, damp gauze or a silicone finger brush 1–2 times a day
After the first tooth
- Brush teeth twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush
- Use fluoride toothpaste (a smear about the size of a grain of rice)
- Don’t rinse off the toothpaste — the small amount of fluoride is enough to protect
What to know about fluoride and cavity prevention
Fluoride is essential for strengthening enamel and preventing early tooth decay.
Current guidelines confirm that small amounts of fluoride toothpaste are safe for infants.
Also:
- Don’t offer sweets or juice in a bottle, especially at bedtime
- Offer water after meals
- Don’t lick the baby’s pacifier or spoon — this can transmit bacteria
The first pediatric dental visit
Schedule your baby’s first visit to the dentist by age one — even if there’s only one tooth. This helps:
- Monitor bite and oral development
- Give parents guidance on hygiene
- Help your baby get used to the dentist
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Dental Care
When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?
You should start oral care even before the first tooth appears. Wipe your baby’s gums with soft damp gauze or a silicone finger brush 1–2 times a day. Once the first tooth comes in, brush twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste.
What toothpaste should I use for a baby?
Usually, once the first tooth appears, you can use baby fluoride toothpaste. A smear the size of a grain of rice is enough to strengthen enamel and help prevent early cavities. Do not rinse it off with water, because this very small amount of fluoride is enough to protect the teeth.
What can I do if my baby is teething and their gums hurt?
Offer a teether and gently massage the gums with a clean finger. Teething may cause drooling, a desire to chew on objects, irritability, and trouble sleeping. If your baby is very uncomfortable or sleeping poorly, talk to your pediatrician about safe pain relief options.
When should my baby first see a dentist?
The first visit to a pediatric dentist is recommended by age 1 or after the first tooth appears. Even if there is only one tooth, the dentist can check oral and bite development and give care guidance. The visit also helps your baby gradually get used to the dentist.
With care
Our articles are based on evidence-based medicine and reviewed by pediatricians. However, they do not replace a consultation with your doctor. Every child is unique — if you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional.
Sources
- Jones M. Teething in children and the alleviation of symptoms. J Fam Health Care. 2002;12(1):12-3. PMID: 12415773. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12415773/. Accessed 6 May 2025.
- Fioravanti M, Di Giorgio G, Amato R, Bossù M, Luzzi V, Ierardo G, Polimeni A, Vozza I. Baby Food and Oral Health: Knowledge of the Existing Interaction. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 10;19(10):5799. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19105799. PMID: 35627333; PMCID: PMC9140504. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9140504/. Accessed 6 May 2025.
- How To Care For Baby’s Teeth?, Being the parent, https://www.beingtheparent.com/how-to-care-for-babys-teeth/. Accessed 6 May 2025.
- Teething/Teething Syndrome, Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11179-teething-teething-syndrome. Accessed 6 May 2025.
- Keeping children's teeth healthy, Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/keeping-childrens-teeth-healthy. Accessed 6 May 2025.
- Children’s Dental Health: How To Care for Your Kid’s Teeth, Cleveland Clinic, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/caring-for-childrens-teeth. Accessed 6 May 2025.