Baby's First Toothbrush: When to Start and Which One to Buy
The first tooth just popped through, and suddenly there are questions. Do you need a toothbrush already? Toothpaste or no toothpaste? And how do you brush a baby who will not stop moving? Here is everything you need to start right without buying stuff you do not need.
When to start
Even before teeth come in, you can wipe your baby's gums once a day with a clean, damp cloth. Once the first tooth appears, usually around six months, start brushing twice a day, especially before bed.
Three types of brushes, by stage
Silicone finger brush. Great when there are just one or two teeth. You slip it over your finger, and the soft silicone feels nice on the gums. Not ideal once your baby starts biting hard.
Baby toothbrush with a safety shield. A chunky handle that is easy to grip, a tiny head with extra-soft bristles, and a round shield that stops the brush from going too far into the mouth. Works from the first teeth through the "I want to do it myself" stage.
Toddler manual brush. Somewhere between ages one and two, once several teeth are in, switch to a small manual brush with a small head and soft bristles. From about age three, you can consider an electric toothbrush.
What to check before you buy
A head small enough to reach the back teeth, extra-soft bristles, a thick handle that is comfortable for both you and your baby, and no small parts that could come loose.
Toothpaste: yes or no?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association recommend fluoride toothpaste from the very first tooth, in a tiny smear about the size of a grain of rice. At age three, move up to a pea-sized amount.
How to brush a wiggly baby
The easiest position is your baby lying on your lap with their head toward you, or sitting on your lap facing away. Use small, gentle strokes, one tooth at a time. Short songs help, and so does giving your baby their own brush to hold while you brush.
How often to replace it
About every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay out. Babies who chew their brushes wear them out fast, so buy two or three at once.
When is the first dentist visit?
Book the first visit by your baby's first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth. It is usually a quick look, some tips for parents and a chance for your baby to get used to the place.
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This article is general information. If you notice spots on the teeth, bleeding or pain, see a dentist.