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When is the best time to start brushing my baby's teeth?

It is recommended that you clean your baby's teeth daily, as soon as they appear in the mouth. A soft washcloth can be used to wipe the teeth and gums, particularly after feeding at this age. A soft-bristled small toothbrush can be introduced to clean a baby's teeth using only water at around 6 to 12 months. Using a toothpaste is not recommended for babies under 18 months of age. Teeth can be brushed with just water, at least twice a day.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

Is it OK to dip my baby's dummy in honey to help them settle?

No. Avoid dipping your baby's dummy in anything sweet, such as honey, as this can cause serious tooth decay in your baby. Even if your baby does not have any teeth, starting a habit of using a sweetened dummy will be difficult …

What type of toothpaste should I use for my baby's teeth?

Water alone is best for brushing a baby's teeth until around the age of 18 months. Older toddlers can use a children's toothpaste, which has lower levels of fluoride.

How do I get my toddler to brush their teeth?

Toddlers can be reluctant to have their teeth brushed. Seeing older siblings or parents brushing their teeth together is useful for the toddler to learn tooth brushing habits. Allowing your toddler to have a turn at brushing their own teeth …

When should I first take my child to the dentist?

Ideally, schedule your child's first dentist visit before they are 12 months of age, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. While there may not be very much that the dentist needs to do at this stage, it is important to check …

Is it ok to put a baby to bed with a bottle?

It is not recommended to put your baby to sleep with a feeding bottle as it poses a chocking risk. Also, if milk is left to collect in the mouth, it can increase the risk of tooth decay. It is best to feed your baby when they are awake, and …

What can I do to soothe my baby's teething pain?

Teething can be a very unsettling time for your baby and you. Teething rings, rusks, soothing teething gels and special baby pain-relief medications are available to help soothe the discomfort of teething. Avoid offering anything frozen or …

Is it OK for my toddler to eat toothpaste?

It can be toxic for young children to ingest large amounts of toothpaste. Excessive amounts of fluoride, which is found in adult toothpaste, can damage the enamel of the permanent teeth. In very large doses, fluoride can be toxic for toddlers and …

My child has a hole in their baby tooth, what should I do?

It is best to have a baby tooth with a cavity checked by a dentist. Tooth decay in baby teeth can spread very quickly, leading to toothache and infection.

My child has fallen and knocked out their baby tooth, should I try to put it back in?

Never try to put a baby tooth back in place once it has been knocked out. Doing so can damage the developing permanent tooth in the gum, just beneath the baby tooth. See your doctor or dentist if your …

Can I give my baby a bottle filled with juice instead of milk?

No. Only give water or milk to a baby in a bottle. If an older toddler is drinking fruit juices occasionally, give it to them in a cup. A bottle with juice or other sweet drink encourages sipping over a long time, which allows …

When can I start to floss my child's teeth?

You can start flossing baby teeth as soon as teeth appear next to each other, as food can collect in that small space.

Why do baby teeth need to be brushed if they are going to fall out anyway?

Baby teeth are very important for the child's health and development. Healthy baby teeth are essential for proper chewing of food, speech development and important for a child's self-esteem. Not brushing baby teeth …

What is low fluoride toothpaste?

Low fluoride toothpaste has a substantially lower concentration of fluoride than normal toothpaste. This is used especially for children and toddlers.

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About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 07 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 18 May 2018
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Votes: 1188 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Oral hygiene

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