Your baby’s gummy smile just got a little toothy! Those tiny pearly whites may look adorable, but they also need real care—starting sooner than you might think.
So when should you start brushing? How do you do it without a battle? Don’t worry—we’ve got all the answers (and yes, some of them involve finger brushes and singing voices).
🗓️ When to Start Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth
Start early! As soon as that first tooth pops up—usually around 6 months—it’s time to start brushing.
Before teeth appear? You can still care for your baby’s mouth:
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Use a clean, damp washcloth or silicone finger brush to gently wipe the gums once a day.
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This removes bacteria and helps your baby get used to oral care early on.
🪥 How to Brush Baby’s Teeth
🧼 1. Pick the Right Tools
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Toothbrush: Use a baby-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head.
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Toothpaste: Use a rice grain–sized smear of fluoride toothpaste (yes, fluoride is safe in this small amount).
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Optional: A finger toothbrush can help at the very beginning when your baby only has a few teeth.
⏰ 2. Brush Twice a Day
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Morning and bedtime are ideal.
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Sit your baby on your lap, gently lift their lip, and brush all sides of the teeth and along the gumline.
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Be gentle—but thorough!
🎶 3. Make It Fun
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Sing a song or let them hold their own brush while you do the actual cleaning.
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Praise your baby or make funny faces—it helps them associate brushing with something positive.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Waiting too long to start. Tooth decay can begin with just one tooth!
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Using too much toothpaste. A rice-sized smear for under 3 years; a pea-sized dab after age 3.
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Skipping dentist visits. Schedule the first dental checkup by your baby’s first birthday, or within 6 months of the first tooth.
🪥 When Do They Start Brushing on Their Own?
Most kids don’t have the dexterity to brush well until around age 6–7. Until then, let them “try” but always follow up with your own gentle brushing.
🍼 And Yes—Cavities Happen in Baby Teeth!
Even though baby teeth fall out, they’re super important. They:
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Help with chewing and speech
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Hold space for adult teeth
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Can develop painful cavities if neglected
That’s why healthy habits from the start make a big difference.
Final Thought: Brushing = Bonding
Think of toothbrushing as a sweet daily ritual—just like bathtime or bedtime stories. With consistency, care, and a little creativity, brushing your baby’s teeth can become second nature (and even fun).
