How to Care for Your Baby’s Teeth
 Category | Teeth |
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⏱️ Reading time: 3 minutes
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.
What’s Inside
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
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.
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Sources
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- 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.