When should I start brushing her teeth and which toothpaste is gentle enough?
Baby Tooth Brushing Guide by Age
| Recommended age range for brushing habits | Number of times to brush each day | Recommended amount of toothpaste | Type of toothbrush to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Once (gum wipe) | None | Clean gauze or soft cloth |
| 6 months-2 years | Once daily | Rice-grain smear | Soft infant toothbrush |
| 2-3 years | Twice daily | Pea-sized | Toddler toothbrush |
| 3+ years | Twice daily | Pea-sized | Children's toothbrush |
Quick Answer
It’s best to start cleaning your baby’s gums even before teeth appear.
Once the first tooth erupts (usually around 6 months), begin brushing with a soft infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a rice grain.
Gradually increase brushing to twice daily as more teeth come in, using age-appropriate gentle toothpaste formulated for infants.
Always supervise to minimize swallowing and ensure proper technique.
Recommended Practices
Clean Gums Before Teeth
Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp gauze or soft cloth once daily, starting from birth until the first tooth appears.
Begin Brushing at First Tooth
When the first tooth erupts (around 6 months), use a soft infant toothbrush with a rice-grain size smear of fluoride toothpaste once daily, ideally after the last feed at night.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste Smear
Apply a rice-grain sized smear (about 0.1g) for infants under 2 years, increasing to a pea-sized amount (about 0.25g) from age 2 to 3, to help prevent decay.
Brush Twice Daily
From age 2, brush teeth twice daily—morning and night—for two minutes per session, increasing to two minutes as coordination improves.
Choose Gentle Infant Toothpaste
Select a toothpaste specifically marketed for infants or toddlers, free of harsh abrasives and with low fluoride (1000ppm or less) to protect developing enamel.
Supervise and Encourage
Always watch your baby while brushing, guiding their hand and using playful songs or stories to make brushing a positive routine.
What to Avoid
Using Adult Toothpaste
Adult formulas contain high fluoride and strong flavors that can irritate a baby’s sensitive mouth and risk fluorosis if swallowed.
Excess Toothpaste
Using more than the recommended smear can increase swallowing risk and may cause stomach upset or excessive fluoride ingestion.
Skipping Night Brushing
Not brushing before bedtime allows milk or juice residues to feed bacteria, increasing the risk of early tooth decay.
Brushing Too Hard
Vigorous brushing can damage tender gums and tooth enamel; use gentle, circular motions.
Delayed Dental Visits
Waiting beyond the eruption of two teeth or age one can miss early signs of decay or enamel defects.
Neglecting Tongue Cleaning
Bacteria also reside on the tongue; gently wipe it to reduce oral microbial load and freshen breath.
Common Scenarios and Solutions
Baby resists tooth brushing
Introduce brushing as play—let the baby hold the brush, sing a song, or use a colorful toothbrush. Gradually transition to actual brushing by touching the gums first.
Gum bleeding during brushing
Use an ultra-soft brush and gentle pressure; if bleeding persists beyond a week, reduce brushing frequency and consult a pediatric dentist.
Toothpaste swallowing
Switch to a smaller smear amount, supervise closely, and practice spitting motions with water to teach spitting reflex.
Stained or discolored teeth
Limit staining foods (beetroot, berries), brush 30 minutes after meals, and consult a dentist for an evaluation of enamel health.
Similar Questions Parents Ask
When should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time?
Visit a pediatric dentist by age one or within six months of the first tooth eruption to assess oral health and receive personalized advice.
Can I use neem or miswak sticks instead of a toothbrush?
Traditional sticks like neem can be used gently on gums before tooth eruption, but a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste are recommended for effective cleaning once teeth appear.
How do I soothe my baby’s teething pain?
Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring or clean damp cloth to chew, and gently massage the gums with a clean finger.
Is toothpaste safe if my baby swallows it?
A rice-sized smear of infant toothpaste has minimal fluoride; swallowing small amounts is generally safe but supervision and teaching spitting are important.
Signs to Consult Immediately
Persistent gum swelling or pus around emerging teeth
White or brown spots indicating early decay
Pain or refusal to eat lasting over 24 hours
High fever during teething
Loose teeth or unusual mobility
Detailed Explanation
Healthy oral hygiene begins before tooth eruption; wiping gums removes milk residue and reduces bacterial growth that can contribute to decay once teeth appear.
The first primary teeth typically emerge between 6 and 10 months, but timing varies. Once visible, a soft-bristled brush and minimal fluoride toothpaste protect developing enamel against caries.
Fluoride strengthens enamel and resists acid attacks.
Infant toothpastes contain 400–500ppm fluoride in India, balancing decay prevention with minimal ingestion risks.
The recommended smear helps deliver protective benefits safely.
Early childhood is critical for establishing brushing habits. Developing manual dexterity by age two allows toddlers to participate, but caregiver supervision remains essential until age six.
Premature infants may have delayed tooth eruption; adjust cleaning routines to their development, but maintain daily gum care and begin brushing once teeth appear.
Seasonal changes in India—dry winter air or monsoon humidity—affect oral bacteria.
Rinse with water after feeds and avoid prolonged bottle use during nights, especially in humid months to prevent decay.
Sources
International Sources
AAP (2021): "Begin brushing teeth twice daily as soon as the first tooth erupts using a smear of fluoride toothpaste."
WHO (2020) emphasizes early preventive care and fluoride use to reduce childhood caries.
UNICEF India (2022) provides practical tips on infant oral hygiene and teething care.
Recommended Reading for Parents
Comprehensive guidebook by American Academy of Pediatrics, available online and in bookstores across India.