Parents today are surrounded by advice—especially when it comes to caring for a new baby or toddler. Between feeding, sleep routines, and hitting developmental milestones, it’s normal to wonder when oral care should actually begin… and whether you’re doing it “right.”
You’re not alone, and it’s much simpler than it seems. Healthy habits start earlier than most parents realize—and even small, consistent steps can prevent cavities, support speech and chewing development, and set your child up for a lifetime of confident smiles.
When to start brushing baby teeth
According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), daily brushing should begin before the tooth ever emerges. Use a clean, soft cloth or a baby toothbrush and water to wipe their gums twice a day (once in the morning after breakfast and once after their last bottle of the day).
As soon as your baby’s first tooth erupts, which is typically around six months, you’ll actually get to brush their teeth. When you start brushing, just smear a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) on a baby toothbrush and brush the tooth/teeth twice a day. When their first tooth appears, you can also go ahead and schedule their first dental visit.
Have a “dental home” by age one
The AAPD also recommends having a “dental home” before your baby turns one. This means having an established pediatric dentist where they receive care. In fact, according to one study by Pediatrics, kids who have their first dental visit before they turn one have dental costs 40% lower in the first five years. A pediatric dentist can also give you a list of healthy snacks and foods to avoid for healthy teeth. Clifton & Mauney is your trusted neighborhood pediatric dentist in Chapel Hill.
What you need to brush your baby’s teeth
A toothbrush
Pick a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head designed for infants. These brushes make it easier to move around tiny mouths and delicate gums. The brush can change as they grow; just stick with size-appropriate soft brushes.
Toothpaste
You don’t need much toothpaste for each brushing, but it should have fluoride in it. Choose a children’s toothpaste in a mild flavor.
What to avoid
Don’t go for large toothbrushes or anything with medium or firm bristles. You want to be gentle with baby’s teeth and gums—and you’ll need to be able to maneuver it in their small mouth. We’d also recommend avoiding strongly flavored toothpaste. No need for mouthwash, either.
How to brush a baby’s teeth: Step-by-step
1. Get into position
- Place your baby in your lap with their head cradled in your arm
- Or, use the knee-to-knee method with another adult
2. Lift the lips
- Use one hand to gently lift their lips so you can see all surfaces
3. Brush gently
- Use small circular motions along the gumline and on the tooth surface
- Brush twice a day for about two minutes total
4. Don’t forget the tongue and cheeks
- These areas can harbor bacteria, too
If baby resists
- Try brushing in a different room
- Use music or a short song
- Give baby a second toothbrush to hold
What changes when toddlers brush their teeth?
When they become a toddler, they’ll have many more teeth, and they’ll be in the perfect stage to start learning healthy brushing habits. There won’t be many changes in equipment, though you should get a size-appropriate brush. As soon as they can start holding a toothbrush, it’s a good time to start teaching them how to brush. You can brush your teeth with them at the same time, a great chance to learn. You can also let them practice brushing your teeth or a doll’s teeth, giving them more practice.
You’ll still need to brush their teeth after they’re done practicing each time to make sure that their teeth are nice and clean. They’ll need help until they’re old enough to tie their shoes on their own. Flossing can also begin once there are two teeth that are closer than a toothbrush can fit between. Dental care for toddlers likely won’t change much, especially if they stay at the same dental home established when they were a baby. Though, some kids do need dental X-rays during this time, if their dentist is concerned about cavities or other dental issues.
A note about toddler toothbrushes
Some electric toothbrushes can be helpful for kids who can tolerate them because they have built-in timers. The timers vibrate or chime when it’s time to move the brush to a new area of the mouth or when they’ve brushed for the right amount of time. We don’t recommend using U-shaped toddler brushes (which claim to brush all teeth at once), as they’re not as effective as normal-shaped toothbrushes.
4 tips to make brushing fun and easy for toddlers
While training your toddler to brush their teeth can be difficult, parents can implement a few tips to make the process easier. Follow these simple guidelines to help you and your toddler get through brushing teeth more smoothly.
1. Use the right type of bristles
Toddler toothbrushes have gentle bristles and smaller head sizes. These toothbrushes are often easier to maneuver in a child’s mouth and make tooth brushing fun for them. You can also find them in all kinds of fun designs—from Paw Patrol to Barbie—that make brushing more engaging.
2. Make brushing fun
Singing a song or playing a game can help distract toddlers from the task and make brushing more enjoyable. Parents can also let their child pick out their toothbrush or toothpaste to make the activity more exciting.
3. Brush twice a day
Consistency is vital when it comes to brushing toddler teeth. Parents should aim to brush their child’s teeth twice daily, once in the morning and once before bedtime. If parents cannot brush their child’s teeth at night, they should at least rinse them with water to remove any residue from the food.
4. Let them practice
Outside of their own practice, try letting them wield your toothbrush to give you some help. This lets them see the bristles brush your teeth and how it can reach the very back teeth without choking. You could also let them practice with a toy toothbrush and doll—anything to help them bring all their skills together to practice.
Clifton & Mauney is Chapel Hill’s pediatric dental home
We know that keeping your kid’s pearly whites healthy can be challenging. But with the right tools and approach, you can make sure their teeth stay healthy and strong. Preventive care is vital, and setting these habits early can significantly affect your child’s oral health. If you’re looking for a dental practice that prioritizes compassionate and inclusive care, we invite you to call 919.933.1007 or book a pediatric dental consultation online now.
