When to Start Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth

Every baby grows at their own pace, so there isn’t one exact age to start brushing. However, experts recommend starting as soon as the first tooth appears—usually around 6 months.

Some parents begin later. For example, I started using a toothbrush when my child was about 15 months old. Before that, I cleaned the gums with my finger.

According to the American Dental Association, tooth decay can begin as soon as the first tooth comes in. So it’s important to be ready with a baby toothbrush early.

Why Early Brushing Matters

Baby teeth may be small, but they play an important role. They:

• Keep space for permanent teeth
• Help your baby chew food
• Support early speech

If baby teeth are not cleaned well, they can decay. This may lead to infections and affect how permanent teeth grow.

How to Clean Your Baby’s Gums

Before the first tooth erupts:

• Use a soft, clean, warm washcloth
• Wrap it around your finger
• Gently wipe your baby’s gums

Toothpaste is not needed at this stage. Once you start using a toothbrush, you can introduce a tiny amount of toothpaste.

Don’t forget to:

• Clean the tongue
• Gently wipe the inside of the cheeks

These areas can also collect bacteria.

Tips to Make Brushing Easier

1. Brush Together

Make brushing a family activity. Babies love copying their parents.

Try saying:

“Mom goes first… now your turn!”

2. Be Gentle

Use a soft brush and gently clean the inside and outside of each tooth.

3. Make It Fun

Try:

• Bright or cartoon-themed toothbrushes
• Brushes with characters your child loves

A familiar face on the toothbrush can make the experience less scary.

4. Keep Your Baby Entertained

You can:

• Let them look in the mirror
• Play music or “tooth tunes”
• Add a simple dance routine
• Sing a brushing song

This helps babies stay still and enjoy the moment.

5. Change the Toothbrush Often

Replace your baby’s toothbrush every 3 months.

This rule applies to everyone in the family.

Baby teeth may not last forever, but they are essential for healthy development. These simple habits can prevent early dental problems and help build good hygiene routines from the very beginning.

FAQ's

Q. When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

Ans. You should start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Many parents ask, “When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?” or “When to start brushing baby teeth?” The ideal time is immediately after you spot the first tiny tooth-usually around 6 months.

Q. From when to start brushing baby teeth if they erupt late?

Ans. If your baby’s teeth come a little later, you can still clean their gums with a soft cloth. From when to start brushing baby teeth depends on tooth eruption, not age. Begin brushing the moment the first tooth pops up to maintain healthy oral hygiene.

Q. Why is brushing baby teeth important so early?

Ans. Early brushing baby teeth prevents plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum infections. Even baby teeth can get cavities, so starting early helps build lifelong oral habits and keeps your baby comfortable during feeding.

Q. What kind of baby teeth brush should I use?

Ans. Choose a soft, small-headed baby teeth brush designed for infants. These brushes are gentle and safe for sensitive gums. For very young babies, silicone finger brushes are also a great option.

Q. How do I properly brush my baby's teeth?

Ans. To brush baby teeth effectively:

• Use a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Brush twice daily, especially before bedtime
• Hold your baby comfortably and gently clean all sides of the teeth
• This makes baby brushing teeth a smooth part of the routine.

Q. How to make baby brushing teeth easier and enjoyable?

Ans. You can make baby brushing teeth fun by:

• Singing songs
• Letting them hold their own baby teeth brush
• Using flavored infant toothpaste
• Showing them how parents brush
• These simple tricks help your baby enjoy brushing time.

Q. Do babies need brushing even if they only have 1 or 2 teeth?

Ans. Yes. Even one tooth can collect bacteria. Begin baby brushing teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. Teeth need protection from the start to prevent early childhood cavities.

Q. How long should I brush my baby’s teeth?

Ans. Brush for about 30 seconds to a minute depending on how many teeth they have. As more teeth come in, brushing time will gradually increase.

Q. What if my baby refuses brushing their teeth?

Ans. If your baby refuses brushing teeth, try brushing in front of a mirror, letting them choose their own baby teeth brush, or brushing together as a family activity. Gentle consistency works better than pressure.

Q. When should I switch from a baby teeth brush to a toddler brush?

Ans. Once your child has multiple teeth and begins chewing more actively-usually around 18–24 months-you can transition from a baby brush to a toddler brush with a slightly larger head and firmer bristles.