Brushing the First Tooth
Short answer. First tooth brushing starts as soon as a tooth appears, using a small soft brush and only a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, twice a day. Keep it brief and calm, and ask a dentist or pediatrician about toothpaste for your child's age.
- Begin brushing when the first tooth comes through.
- Use a small, soft brush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush morning and night, with bedtime being the one not to skip.
- An adult should do the brushing, or closely help, for years.
- Ask the dental team if you are unsure about toothpaste.
Starting with the first tooth
Once a tooth breaks through, the cloth gives way to a brush. The tooth may be one small bump on the lower gum, and it still needs cleaning. Dental organizations commonly advise brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day from this point.
Do not worry about technique at first. Small circles along the tooth and the gum line, front and back, are enough.
Choosing a brush and toothpaste
Pick a brush made for infants, with a small head and soft bristles, and replace it when bristles splay or after an illness. A grip you can hold easily matters more than any feature.
For toothpaste, use a fluoride toothpaste in a very small amount, about the size of a grain of rice for babies and toddlers. Check the packaging, and if your child has allergies or you have doubts, ask a dentist or pharmacist.
- Infant-size soft brush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Rice-grain-sized smear
- Replace worn brushes
How do I hold a wriggling baby?
Try the knee-to-knee position with another adult, or sit the baby on your lap facing away, head resting against you so you can see the teeth. Some parents lay the baby on a changing mat. Whatever you choose, support the head and keep hands steady.
Sing, count or let the child hold a spare brush. The first tooth brushing may last only ten seconds, and that is fine.
Spit, swallow and what to expect
Babies cannot spit, so a tiny smear means the small amount swallowed is not a concern for most families. You can wipe away excess with a cloth afterward. There is no need to rinse.
As the child grows, you will increase the amount slightly, in line with advice from your dentist. Keep toothpaste out of reach so it is never treated as a snack.
Keeping it up
Toddlers often resist. Let them hold the brush first, then take a turn yourself. Make bedtime brushing the fixed point of the day and be patient on rough days.
If you see spots on teeth, swelling, or a tooth that looks chipped or discolored, see a dentist. Next step: book a first dental visit if you have not already, and bring your brush and toothpaste questions.
Questions readers ask
How long should the brushing take?
With one or two teeth, a short time is enough. As more teeth come in, aim to reach every surface, building toward about two minutes as your dentist suggests.
Is it a problem if my child swallows some toothpaste?
A rice-grain amount is the usual guidance for the youngest children. If your child eats a large amount, call poison control or your doctor for advice.
Can my child brush alone?
Not at first. Young children need an adult to brush or finish the job for years, and your dentist can tell you when to step back.
Talk to a professional. Persistent bleeding, pain, swelling, loose teeth or sores that do not heal need a dentist's attention, not a supplement.