How to Brush Baby Teeth

Although baby teeth may start appearing at around 6 months, all infants are different -- some will sprout teeth earlier, while others may not start getting them until they are 18 months old. As soon as your baby cuts his first teeth, they need to be cleaned. Baby teeth help children enunciate their words and learn how to chew their food, and pave the way for permanent teeth to follow at a later stage according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The tooth-cleaning process for a baby is different than the process for an older child or adult, so make sure you know how to properly care for your baby's teeth.

Things You'll Need

  • Washcloth or gauze
  • Baby toothbrush

Instructions

    • 1

      Get into the habit of cleaning your baby's gums before her teeth even appear. Wrap a soft, wet washcloth or a piece of gauze around your index finger and rub it gently over her gums. By getting her used to having parts of her mouth cleaned on a daily basis, the transition to actual toothbrushing should be smoother.

    • 2

      Purchase a baby toothbrush with a small head and comfortable grip. Brush the inside and outside of your baby's teeth very gently with the brush and fresh water. Toothpaste is not necessary until the age of 2, says the American Dental Association. Brush your baby's tongue to get ride of bacteria that can cause bad breath. Do this at least once per day, preferably at bedtime, to make it part of your child's evening routine.

    • 3

      Inspect your baby's toothbrush regularly. Replace it as soon as its bristles become worn or splayed.

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