Newborn and Infant Oral Care: How to Clean Your Baby's Mouth
Healthy teeth start long before the first tooth appears. Gentle daily habits in the first months protect your baby's gums, prepare them for brushing, and lower the risk of early cavities.
Cleaning your newborn's gums
After feedings, wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp washcloth or a piece of gauze. This removes leftover milk or formula and gets your baby used to having their mouth cleaned.
When the first tooth arrives
Once the first tooth erupts, usually around six months but sometimes earlier or later, switch to a soft infant toothbrush with a small head. Brush twice a day using a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice.
Feeding habits that protect teeth
Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice.
Offer plain water between meals once your baby is drinking it.
Introduce a cup around your baby's first birthday and move away from the bottle gradually.
Avoid cleaning a pacifier or spoon with your own mouth, which can pass cavity-causing bacteria to your baby.
Your baby's first dental visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by your child's first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. The visit is quick and gentle. We check your baby's teeth and gums, review feeding and cleaning, and answer your questions.
Ready to schedule your baby's first visit? Call our Westwood office at 310-388-3859.