When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?

Start brushing as soon as the very first tooth appears. Before that, you can wipe your baby's gums daily with a clean, damp cloth to build familiarity with a mouth-care routine. Starting early makes the transition to brushing with a toothbrush smoother for both parent and baby.

What kind of toothbrush should I use for a baby?

Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed specifically for babies. The head should be small enough to reach all surfaces comfortably. Finger brushes can also work well for very young babies who are still getting used to the sensation. Replace the brush every 3 months or when bristles splay.

How much toothpaste should I use for a baby?

Use a thin smear of toothpaste, roughly the size of a grain of rice, until your child is around 3 years old. From age 3 to 6, increase to a pea-sized amount. Choose a toothpaste that is gentle and safe if swallowed, since young children cannot spit effectively.

How do I brush a baby's teeth if they won't open their mouth?

Try making it a game rather than a battle. Sing a song, let them hold a second toothbrush, or brush your own teeth at the same time so they can copy. Lying your baby on your lap with their head towards you gives the best visibility. Keep sessions short and positive, even if you only manage a few seconds at first.

How to Brush Your Baby’s First Teeth

December 5, 2025

By Dr Jack Brazel BChD · Reviewed by Dr John Krezel, Specialist Prosthodontist

That first little tooth – it’s such a tiny milestone, yet it means so much. Your baby’s smile is changing, and it’s time to start a new routine: brushing.

At MamaSmiles, we believe caring for those first teeth is about more than just cleaning – it’s about comfort, connection, and establishing healthy habits from the very start. Here’s how to make brushing your baby’s first teeth simple, soothing, and even a little bit special.

1. Start as soon as you see that first tooth

As soon as a tooth peeks through, it’s time to brush. Milk and tiny meals can leave residue that encourages bacteria, so gentle cleaning helps protect against early decay.

Use a soft baby toothbrush or silicone finger brush with a tiny smear of toothpaste – no bigger than a grain of rice. You can use a baby-safe toothpaste or MamaSmiles Teething Gel, which gently soothes gums while cleansing and protecting new teeth.

2. Make it part of your daily routine

Babies thrive on routine. Try brushing twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed. Keep it short (about 1 minute), but consistent. The goal is to build familiarity, not perfection.

If your baby wriggles or resists (and they probably will), try singing, smiling, or letting them hold the brush. Turning it into a playful ritual helps them look forward to it rather than fear it.

3. Choose a toothpaste that’s gentle and safe

Your baby deserves the best start. Many toothpastes contain fluoride or foaming agents like SLS, which can be harsh on delicate mouths.

MamaSmiles Teething Gel or baby toothpaste (coming soon) is fluoride-free and uses hydroxyapatite, a natural mineral that helps strengthen and protect new enamel safely - even if swallowed.

4. Brush gently – tiny circles and lots of smiles

Use light, circular motions along the gums and teeth. Focus on the gumline and any new teeth peeking through. You don’t need to scrub - gentle cleaning is enough to remove milk sugars and bacteria.

It’s okay if your baby only lets you do a few seconds at first. Praise, smiles, and cuddles afterwards go a long way. Remember, every small effort counts.

5. Don’t forget the gums (even before teeth!)

You can begin oral care even before teeth appear by gently wiping your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth. This helps remove milk residue and gets your little one used to having their mouth cleaned - making the brushing transition much smoother later on.

6. Make it a bonding moment

Brushing can be a beautiful moment of connection. Babies love to copy their parents, so let them see you brushing your own teeth, too. When they see you smile, they’ll want to join in.

It’s not just about clean teeth - it’s about building a routine that feels safe, nurturing, and full of love.

Final thoughts

Your baby’s first teeth set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. By starting early and keeping it gentle, you’re helping protect those new pearly whites and making brushing a moment your baby enjoys.

At MamaSmiles, our range of natural, dentist-formulated oral care products - from teething gels to hydroxyapatite toothpastes - are designed to support every stage of your baby’s oral health journey, safely and naturally.

Because when baby smiles, MamaSmiles too.

Try Teething Gel | Berry Flavour

Naturally soothes gums
Supports healthy tooth development
Dentist-developed formula
No numbing agents or anaesthetics
Fluoride & sugar free
Gentle enough for daily use

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About the Authors

Dr Jack Brazel and Dr John Krezel, Co-Founders of MamaSmiles

Dr Jack Brazel BChD Dr John Krezel BChD, MSc, DClinDent, MPros RCSEd, MFDS RCSEd

Co-Founders, MamaSmiles

Jack and John are award-winning dentists with clinical experience across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. John is a Specialist Prosthodontist registered with the GDC and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Michigan. They co-founded MamaSmiles out of a shared belief that families deserve oral care products held to the same standard as clinical recommendations.

Our story Jack on LinkedIn

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have specific concerns about your child's oral health or your own during pregnancy, please speak to your dentist, GP, midwife, or pharmacist.