Baby care
Caring for Your Baby's Teeth: From First Tooth to First Dentist Visit
When to start brushing, how much fluoride toothpaste to use, teething tips, bottles and juice, and when to see the dentist. Evidence-based baby tooth care from the pediatricians at Uptown Pediatrics, following the American Academy of Pediatrics.
By the Uptown Pediatrics team · · 5 min read
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, and it's almost entirely preventable. Healthy habits start before the first tooth appears.
Before teeth: wipe the gums
After feedings, gently wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze.
First tooth: start brushing with fluoride toothpaste
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, though it can be as early as 3 months or after the first birthday. As soon as you see a tooth, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:
- A soft, small, child-sized toothbrush
- A smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice
- Brushing twice a day, especially before bed
- From age 3, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
That tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste is safe, and it's the best protection against cavities.
Fluoride varnish
Fluoride varnish is a protective coating painted on the teeth. Your pediatrician or dentist may apply it 2 to 4 times a year, starting with the first teeth. Ask us about it at your baby's checkup. If your family drinks mostly bottled water, let us know too.
First dental visit
The AAP recommends scheduling a dental visit when the first tooth appears, and no later than the first birthday.
Bottles, cups, and juice
- Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle, and don't use a bottle to soothe a fussy baby. Milk or formula pooling on the teeth overnight causes decay.
- Around 12 months, start moving from the bottle to a cup, offering plain water between meals.
- No juice before 12 months. After that, limit 100% juice to 4 ounces a day.
- Never dip a pacifier in honey, sugar, or anything sweet.
Teething tips
Teething can make babies drooly and fussy. Try:
- Rubbing their gums with a clean finger
- A firm rubber teething ring, chilled in the refrigerator (not frozen)
Avoid teething gels with benzocaine and teething necklaces or bracelets (including amber), which carry risks of choking and strangulation. Teething doesn't cause high fevers; if your baby has a fever, call us.
We check teeth at every visit
We look at your child's teeth at well visits and can answer questions about brushing, thumb-sucking, and pacifiers. Call 212-427-0540 or send a portal message anytime.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Your Baby.
Questions parents ask
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
As soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft child-sized brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice, twice a day.
Is fluoride toothpaste safe for babies?
Yes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth, and a pea-sized amount from age 3.
When should my baby first see a dentist?
When the first tooth appears, and no later than the first birthday.
