Oral care for babies: a guide to gums, first teeth, and early hygiene

Establishing oral hygiene habits should begin long before your baby’s first tooth actually appears. Maintaining a healthy environment in the mouth is essential for protecting the primary teeth that are developing beneath the gums and for preventing early childhood tooth decay.

Even before the first tooth breaks through, bacteria can build up on the gums. Starting a cleaning routine early also helps your baby get used to having their mouth handled, which makes brushing easier later on. To take care, you should gently wipe your baby's gums at least once or twice a day, ideally after the last feeding of the evening. The best way to do it is using a clean, damp washcloth or a piece of sterile gauze wrapped around your finger to gently rub the upper and lower gum pads. There is no need for toothpaste at this stage.

As soon as that first tiny white edge appears, your routine must shift to actual brushing. In this case you need to switch to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed specifically for infants. For children under three, use a "smear" of fluoride toothpaste (roughly the size of a grain of rice). This small amount is safe even if the baby swallows it. Brush twice a day. The evening brush is the most critical, as it removes sugars that would otherwise sit on the teeth overnight.

One of the most significant risks to infant oral health is prolonged exposure to liquids containing sugar. When a baby falls asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice, the liquid pools around the teeth, providing a feast for decay-causing bacteria. The common rule is to avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle. If they need comfort to sleep, try a pacifier or a bottle filled only with plain water once they are old enough to consume it. Also, aim to transition your baby from a bottle to a sippy cup or open cup by their first birthday to reduce the time liquids spend in contact with the teeth.

Regarding pacifiers, they are common, as sucking is a natural soothing reflex. Generally, they do not cause long-term dental issues if they are skipped by age two or three. However, never dip a pacifier in honey or sugary liquids, as this causes immediate and severe damage to developing enamel.

A common mistake is waiting until a child has a full set of teeth to see a dentist. The standard recommendation is to schedule your baby's first dental checkup as soon as the first tooth appears, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. This initial visit is often quick and focused on checking for proper development and giving you specific advice on cleaning techniques. In other cases, you should contact your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist if you notice:

white or brown spots on the teeth, which can be early signs of decay,

bleeding gums or persistent sores in the mouth,

if your baby falls and bumps their mouth, even if no teeth are visible yet, a professional should check for underlying damage.

Good oral hygiene is a marathon, not a sprint. By starting with simple gum care and moving to consistent brushing, you are setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits.

A gentle reminder: The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you are facing a problem that feels sharp, persistent, or overwhelming, reaching out for professional help is a sign of strength.