Good habits start with the first tooth. This guide covers when to start brushing baby teeth, how much toothpaste to use, and tips to make brushing easier for you and your child.
When should you start brushing baby teeth?
Start cleaning as soon as the first tooth appears, usually around six months. Before teeth come through, you can wipe the gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeds to get your baby used to having their mouth cleaned.
How much toothpaste should you use?
- Birth to 18 months – clean teeth with a soft infant toothbrush and water only, unless your dental professional advises otherwise.
- 18 months to 6 years – use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste.
- 6 years and over – a pea-sized amount of regular fluoride toothpaste.
Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste but not rinse, so the fluoride keeps protecting the teeth.
How to brush your baby’s teeth
- Brush twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
- Use a small, soft toothbrush designed for babies or toddlers.
- Sit or stand behind your child, or lie them across your lap, so you can see into their mouth.
- Use gentle small circles on the front, back and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
- Lift the top lip once a month to check for white or brown spots near the gum line, which can be early signs of decay.
Children do not have the coordination to brush well on their own until about eight years of age, so keep brushing for them or checking their brushing until then.
Tips to protect baby teeth
- Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
- Offer water between meals instead of sweet drinks.
- Avoid sharing spoons or cleaning dummies in your mouth, which can pass decay-causing bacteria.
- Learn more about tooth decay in children.
When to take your child to the dentist
Aim for a first visit when the first teeth appear or by their first birthday. See your child’s first dental visit for what to expect. Eligible children may be covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, and fissure sealants can help protect back teeth as they come through.
Ready for your child’s first check-up?
Our kids dentist in Penrith team sees children from their first teeth. Call (02) 4733 1197 or book an appointment online.
For more general health information, see Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: teething and baby teeth.
Related reading
- The Tooth Fairy and Losing Baby Teeth: A Guide for Parents
- Your child’s first dental visit
- Tooth decay in children
- Lip Tie and Tongue Tie in Babies and Children
- Kids Dentist Penrith
Looking for more dental health tips? Browse all articles on the Penrith Dental Care blog, or meet the Penrith Dental Care team. Have a question? See our dental FAQ.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dental practitioner.