Even before the first tooth appears, you can wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeds to remove milk residue and get them used to the feeling of oral cleaning early on.
Cleaning the First Teeth
Once the first tooth appears, clean it twice daily with a very small soft brush and a «rice-grain» amount of fluoride toothpaste, per your dentist's guidance. Increase to a «pea-sized» amount around age three.
When to Book the First Dentist Visit
Professional dental associations recommend the first visit at the first tooth's appearance or by age one, whichever comes first. The goal of that first visit isn't treatment, but a positive introduction to the clinic environment and a simple preventive check.
- Avoid giving your toddler a bottle of milk or juice at bedtime — prolonged sugar contact causes early tooth decay.
- Make toothbrushing a fixed part of the bedtime routine from the start.
- Don't wait for a problem to show up before visiting the dentist — preventive visits are far easier on a child emotionally.
- Choose a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry for a more comfortable experience.
