A Parent’s Guide to Brushing Baby Teeth: Tips for a Healthy Start
The journey to a healthy smile starts long before the first tooth falls out. Caring for baby teeth (also called primary teeth) is just as important as caring for adult teeth. In this post, we’ll explain when to start brushing your child’s teeth, how to do it correctly, and how to make it a fun daily habit.
Check out Health Canada’s tips on caring for your child’s teeth.
When Should I Start Brushing My Baby’s Teeth?
🍼 Start cleaning your baby’s mouth before the first tooth appears by gently wiping their gums with a soft, damp cloth.
🦷 As soon as the first tooth erupts (usually around 6 months), start brushing twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
How to Brush Baby Teeth (Step-by-Step)
- Use a small-headed, soft-bristled toothbrush made for infants.
- Use fluoride toothpaste—a rice-sized amount for under 3 years old.
- Brush twice a day: morning and before bed.
- Brush gently in small circles, covering all surfaces (front, back, chewing surfaces).
- Don’t rinse—let the fluoride stay on the teeth.
Looking for more on children’s dental care? Read our baby teeth care guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Letting your child sleep with a bottle of milk or juice
🚫 Using too much toothpaste
🚫 Skipping nighttime brushing
🚫 Brushing too hard or too fast
These habits can lead to early childhood cavities, which may require fillings or extractions even in toddlers.
How to Make Brushing Fun
🎵 Sing a special tooth brushing song
📱 Use a fun timer app or musical toothbrush
🌈 Let your child choose their brush or toothpaste flavor
📊 Use a sticker chart to track consistency
When to Start Flossing Baby Teeth
Once your child has two teeth that touch, it’s time to introduce flossing. Start with floss picks or soft flossers made for kids.
Need help teaching flossing? Learn more in our flossing blog post.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Make sure to schedule a first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth. Early visits help:
- Spot any early issues
- Build comfort and trust with the dentist
- Establish a lifelong dental routine
📅 Book your baby’s first dental appointment at Maxilla Dental – we’ll make it easy and fun!
Healthy Baby Teeth = Healthy Adult Teeth
Taking care of baby teeth builds the foundation for a healthy, confident smile for life. Let us support you every step of the way!
