Your baby’s smile is so precious. It tugs at your heart every time their eyes light up and that smile breaks across their face. It’s important to start paying attention to your child’s oral health at an early age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than half of six- to eight-year-olds have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth.1
The proper care and development of your child’s teeth play an important role in their being able to get nutrition and to speak.
A baby is born with 20 primary teeth. They just haven’t emerged from their gums. A baby’s first tooth usually emerges from their gums (usually the lower front) at 6 to 10 months of age.2 They will have their full set of primary teeth (10 on the top and 10 on the bottom) by about age 3.
From the time their first tooth appears baby teeth can get cavities.
Even before their first tooth comes in if you start using a clean, damp washcloth to wipe your baby’s gums after every feeding they will get used to having their mouth cleaned. That makes it easier when their first tooth does come in to start brushing their teeth.
The toothpaste and brush may make the difference between tooth brushing being easy or a daily chore. The toothpaste you choose for babies and young children should contain fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, according to the American Dental Association.3
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and so it prevents cavities from forming. It helps if the toothpaste has a pleasant taste. Fruity and sweet flavors win out over mint, which most children dislike.4 For babies, use just a small amount of fluoride toothpaste — about as big as a grain of rice — and brush their teeth twice a day.5
Use a toothpaste specifically formulated for infants, as adult toothpaste contains too much fluoride for children. It is not harmful for a baby or toddler to swallow a rice-sized amount of toothpaste specifically formulated for infants.6
When your baby has two teeth that touch, start flossing between those teeth on a daily basis.
The toothbrush you choose also is important because baby gums are soft and sensitive with new teeth emerging below the surface of the gums. You will need a toothbrush specifically designed for an infant. It should have soft bristles and a small head.
Some toothbrushes for babies are made of silicone bristles which are gentler on gums but may not clean as thoroughly.
Establishing a routine is important, even with babies. Be consistent about taking care of your baby’s teeth. Some parents choose to brush teeth in the morning and before putting their child to sleep, but as long as you have a routine that works for you and stick to it you are helping to safeguard your child’s oral health.
Family Dentist in Walled Lake for Kids and Adults
Bringing your child to the dentist early in life supports healthy teeth and helps build lifelong oral hygiene habits. Our Walled Lake Dental Office is the ideal place for families and children – providing comprehensive care, from general dentistry to cosmetic procedures and smile restoration.
Dr. Hechtman and his team are experienced, friendly, and committed to providing high-quality care for every patient, including kids and teens. Get your family on track for optimal dental health and schedule a free consultation today.
______________________________________________
1 Oral Health Tips for Children, 5/15/2024
Link: https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/oral-health-tips-for-children.html
2 Promoting Oral Health for Babies
Link: https://www.headstart.gov/oral-health/brush-oral-health/promoting-oral-health-babies
3, 4, 6 The Best Toothpaste Our Toddlers Tested and Loved by Jessica Booth, 10/9/2025
Link: https://www.parents.com/best-toothpaste-for-toddlers-8605438?utm_source=microsoftpaid&utm_medium=con&utm_content=d718b0d2edad15775f2ad9d626529d67&utm_campaign=commerce-dd-AllArticles_Parents_Combined_CommSEM_OrganicLP_DSA&utm_term=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parents.com%2Fbest-toothpaste-for-toddlers-8605438&utm_test=&msclkid=d718b0d2edad15775f2ad9d626529d67
5 Baby Teeth
Link: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/baby-teeth