When should I start cleaning my baby's mouth?
5 August 2026 · 4 min read
Oral care starts on day one — before the first tooth even appears. Early habits set the stage for healthy teeth and easier brushing later.
Before the first tooth
From birth, wipe your baby's gums with a clean, soft, damp cloth or a silicone finger brush once a day, ideally after the last feed and before bed. This clears milk residue, gets your baby used to having their mouth touched, and makes the move to a real toothbrush much easier.
When the first tooth arrives
As soon as the first tooth appears — usually around six months — switch to a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (1000 ppm) on a soft baby toothbrush, twice a day. Brush last thing at night and one other time, and avoid rinsing so the fluoride stays on the teeth overnight.
Why it matters so early
Early cleaning prevents early decay, helps you spot changes in the mouth, and builds a calm brushing routine before the age of resistance. Babies who are used to mouth care at three months rarely fight brushing at two years.
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