First of all, congratulations on the birth of your precious baby! At KidzVil Pediatric Dentistry, we know new parents have a lot of questions about caring for those first tiny teeth, so we put together this guide to help you get ready for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Even before any teeth come in, your baby’s gums need attention. Clean your baby’s mouth with a damp washcloth after every feeding. This wipes away leftover milk and food particles and starts building the habit of good oral care from day one.
Once the first tooth appears, it’s time to start brushing. You have two good options: a long-handled toothbrush that lets you and your child hold the handle together, or a soft brush that fits over your finger. Whichever you choose, always make sure the bristles are soft so you don’t irritate your baby’s gums or new teeth.
When you first start brushing, you don’t need toothpaste at all. Just dip the brush in water. If your little one isn’t a fan, go back to the damp washcloth for a while. If your baby is teething, a toothbrush with a built-in teether can help them get comfortable with the sensation before regular brushing begins.
Once your child has a few teeth, switch to kids’ toothpaste. We recommend a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel, though we’re happy to talk through other options at your baby’s first visit. Per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children younger than 3 should use only a rice-grain-sized amount, and children 3 and older can move up to a smear-sized amount. As teeth start touching each other, it’s time to introduce flossing, and we recommend adding mouth rinse once your child turns 6.
To help avoid cavities, skip sweetened liquids like soda, and go easy on juice, milk, and formula too, since all of them contain sugar that can lead to decay. Never put your child to bed with a bottle. Prolonged contact between sugar and teeth overnight is one of the most common causes of early childhood decay, sometimes called baby-bottle caries.
Your child’s first dental appointment should happen within six months of that first tooth coming in, and no later than their first birthday. Since even very young children can develop cavities, regular visits matter from the start. During these early appointments, our team checks for any developing problems, helps you build strong home-care habits, and works to make every visit a positive, low-stress experience so your child grows up looking forward to seeing us. If it’s ever needed, we can also review options like fluoride treatments or space maintainers to protect developing teeth.
If you have any questions about caring for your child’s teeth before that first visit, don’t hesitate to contact us today, or give us a call at (561) 845-7374. We’re here in Lake Worth, FL and always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my baby have their first dental visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, and no later than their first birthday.
Do I need to clean my baby’s gums before any teeth come in?
Yes. Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth after each feeding. This removes leftover milk and food residue and helps build a healthy oral care routine early.
What type of toothbrush should I use for my baby?
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, either a long-handled brush you hold together with your baby or a finger brush. Both work well as long as the bristles are soft enough not to irritate the gums.
When can my child start using toothpaste?
Once your child has a few teeth, you can introduce a fluoride toothpaste. Children under 3 should use a rice-grain-sized amount, and children 3 and older can use a smear-sized amount.
Is it okay to put my baby to bed with a bottle?
We recommend against it. Prolonged contact between sugary liquids and teeth overnight can lead to a common form of tooth decay known as baby-bottle caries.
When should I start flossing my child’s teeth?
Start flossing as soon as any two teeth are touching each other, since a toothbrush alone can’t reach between them.
What happens during my child’s first dental visit?
We check for any early signs of decay or developmental issues, walk you through at-home care, and keep the visit positive and comfortable so your child feels at ease coming back.