When to Start Brushing Baby Teeth: A Guide by Age

Seeing that first baby tooth is a significant milestone for any parent, and it arrives with a question: When should I start cleaning it? Interestingly, it’s earlier than most parents might expect. Each stage, from newborn to toddler, calls for a slightly different approach to dental care. This guide walks you through when to start brushing baby teeth, what tools to use at each age, and how much toothpaste is right for your little one.

When Should You Start Brushing Baby Teeth?

Oral care actually starts before teeth appear, as early as when your baby is a few days old. Wiping your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings clears away leftover milk or formula and gets your baby used to having their mouth touched¹. Once the first tooth breaks through, usually around 6 months, it's time to move from wiping to brushing². Dentists also recommend a first dental visit when that initial tooth erupts or by your child's first birthday, whichever comes first³.

Baby Oral Care by Age Group

Birth to 6 Months: Wiping the Gums

Before teeth come in, the oral care routine for your baby is simple. After feedings and before bed, wrap a soft, damp washcloth or piece of gauze around your finger and gently wipe your baby's gums⁴. This works for breastfed and formula-fed babies alike. You don't need toothpaste or a toothbrush yet. The goal is to build a routine so brushing feels familiar later, and to keep the mouth clean while teething begins. Pediatricians also see babies several times in the first year and can check inside the mouth during these visits, making it the perfect time to ask questions about your baby’s gums or first teeth⁴. 

6 to 12 Months: The First Toothbrush

This is typically when to start brushing baby teeth. After your baby’s first tooth appears, pick up a soft-bristled, baby-sized toothbrush with a small head. Soften the bristles under warm water first, then brush with gentle circles along the front, back, and chewing surfaces². 

Naturally, you might be wondering how to brush baby teeth without a struggle. Try laying your baby in your lap or on a changing surface so you can see clearly. Brush twice a day, in the morning and before bed, for as close to two minutes as your baby allows. Replace the toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles fray¹.

12 to 36 Months: Starting Fluoride Toothpaste

If you're wondering when to start brushing baby teeth with toothpaste, the answer is the first tooth. Dentists recommend baby toothpaste with fluoride as soon as the first tooth erupts because fluoride strengthens enamel and helps protect new teeth from decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises using a small smear of fluoride toothpaste twice a day starting with the first tooth⁵. Some sources suggest that parents of children under 3 confirm the right amount with their dentist.⁶ By the toddler years, most families are brushing with toothpaste every morning and night. 

How Much Toothpaste to Use at Each Age

Getting the amount right matters more than the brand:

• Birth to first tooth: no toothpaste, just a damp cloth
• First tooth to age 3: a smear about the size of a grain of rice⁵
• Ages 3 to 6: a pea-sized amount³

Since you're doing the brushing at these ages, you control how much goes on the brush. Teach your child to spit rather than swallow. Kaiser Permanente suggests asking your dentist whether the rice-sized amount fits your child under age 3, and skipping tartar-control formulas, which can sting young mouths⁶.

When to Start Flossing Baby Teeth

Of course, brushing alone won’t clean the tight spaces between teeth. Once two teeth touch each other, it's time to start flossing². For many children, that happens in the toddler years, though the timing varies. Floss once a day, ideally before bed, and consider floss picks, which are easier to handle in a small mouth⁶. Be gentle and slide the floss up and down along each tooth instead of snapping it down onto the gums. Your pediatric dentist can show you the technique at your child's checkup. Until your child can brush and floss alone, plan to do it for them: parents typically handle both for the first few years⁶.

Ready to take the guesswork out of your baby's dental care? Beam City Dental welcomes children starting at 6 months, and our team makes first visits comfortable for kids and parents alike. Book an appointment online or call (201) 482-0006 to get your child started on a healthy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I brush my baby's gums before teeth come in?

Wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze after feedings and before bed, starting in the first days of life¹. This clears leftover milk or formula and builds a routine, making it easier over time. You don't need a brush or toothpaste until the first tooth comes in.

When can my baby start using fluoride toothpaste?

Fluoride toothpaste can start as soon as the first tooth appears. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a smear about the size of a grain of rice, twice a day, until age 3⁵. Ask your dentist if you have questions about the right amount for your child.

How much toothpaste should a toddler use?

Children under 3 need only a smear the size of a grain of rice. From ages 3 to 6, switch to a pea-sized amount⁵. Help your child spit rather than swallow and skip the water rinse so the fluoride keeps working.

When should I start flossing my child's teeth?

Start flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other, since a toothbrush can't clean between them². Floss once a day and try a floss pick if it's easier to hold. Your pediatric dentist can demonstrate the technique at your next visit.

When should my baby have their first dental visit?

Schedule the first visit when the first tooth appears or no later than your child's first birthday³. Early visits let the dentist check development, answer questions about brushing and teething, and provide advice about building and maintaining good habits from the start.