Baby basics: How to brush your baby's teeth
Learn how to care for the littlest smiles.
You should start caring for your baby’s teeth as soon as they start poking through their gums. Because baby teeth are smaller and have thinner enamel than adult teeth, they are more vulnerable to cavities.
If you’ve never cleaned someone else’s teeth before, it might seem like a tricky new task to learn, but there’s no need to worry! Follow these steps to properly care for your baby’s teeth and introduce them to an important lifelong routine for their health.
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How to brush your baby's teeth
- Sit your baby on your knee with their head against your chest facing outward – in front of a mirror if you have one available.
- Squeeze a small amount of fluoride toothpaste – about the size of a grain of rice – onto a baby-safe toothbrush.
- Using a circular motion and very gentle pressure, carefully brush all surfaces of each tooth.
- When you’re done, help your baby to spit out the toothpaste. There's no need to rinse with water, as this washes away the fluoride that helps to protect your child from tooth decay.
Tip: If your baby doesn’t like having their teeth brushed, try singing to them as you brush or make silly sounds as you brush each tooth.
Eventually, as you stick with it, cleaning their teeth will become a natural part of your child’s routine.
Happy brushing!
Frequently asked questions about brushing a baby's teeth
When do babies get their first tooth?
Babies usually get their first tooth around 6 months old.
When should you brush a baby’s teeth?
You should brush your baby’s teeth twice a day – once in the morning and again at night.
How long should you brush your baby’s teeth?
You should brush your baby’s teeth for two minutes each time.
Tip: Choosing a two-minute song like “The Wheels on the Bus” to sing or play while brushing can help you get the timing right and make the experience more engaging and fun for your child.
When should I take my baby to a dentist?
You should take your children to the dentist regularly, starting from when they get their first tooth.
