Infant Oral Care: Simple Steps to Protect Baby Teeth
Baby mouths need care from day one. You can prevent problems and set up healthy habits with a few small routines. This page gives clear, practical tips you can use right away.
When to start and how to clean
Wipe your baby’s gums after feedings with a clean, damp cloth. Do this even before teeth appear — it removes milk residue and bacteria. Once the first tooth shows, switch to a soft baby toothbrush. Use gentle circular strokes on all tooth surfaces and along the gum line.
Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice for babies under two. After age two, use a pea-sized amount. Spit or wipe — don’t rinse away the fluoride. Brush twice a day: once in the morning and once before bed.
When teeth touch, start flossing. Flossing prevents decay between teeth where brushes can’t reach. A little daily time prevents bigger problems later.
Teething, bottles, and feeding habits
Teething can make babies fussy and drooly. Offer a cool teething ring or a clean, cold washcloth to chew on. Avoid numbing gels with benzocaine unless your dentist recommends them.
Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. Sugary liquids feeding teeth all night cause "baby bottle tooth decay." Water only at bedtime is OK. Cut down on frequent daytime bottles and sugary sips from sippy cups.
Limit sugary snacks and fruit drinks. Even natural fruit juice can stick to teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria. Keep snacks like plain fruit, yogurt, or cheese for healthier options.
Pacifiers are fine but clean them without dipping in sugar or honey. If your child still uses a pacifier or thumbsucks past age two, talk to your dentist about avoiding bite and speech issues.
Replace your baby’s toothbrush every three months or sooner if bristles look worn. Choose a small-head brush with soft bristles and a handle that gives you control.
Look for white spots, dark pits, persistent pain, swelling, fever, or white patches that won’t wipe away. These can be early signs of decay or thrush and need quick attention.
Plan a first dental visit by the baby’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth—whichever comes first. A pediatric dentist can check growth, apply fluoride varnish if needed, and answer feeding and teething questions.
Simple daily care, smart feeding habits, and early dental visits set up a lifetime of better teeth. Small steps now save you big headaches later.
