How to Clean Baby Teeth & Gums

Good oral hygiene habits begin in infancy

It is never too early to start cleaning baby teeth and gums. Ideally, good oral hygiene begins in infancy. The earlier a baby's caregivers start and the more consistent they are with a baby's oral health habits the more likely that baby will go through childhood and adulthood with good oral hygiene skills. You can get a baby used to having his teeth cleaned by starting with something as simple as a soft washcloth and graduating to a soft bristled brush as baby teeth begin to appear.

Things You'll Need

• Soft washcloth or gauze square
• Warm tap water
• Soft-bristled toothbrush with the smallest head available
• Fluoride toothpaste (for use after age 2)

Instructions

1. Massage the baby's gums with a soft, wet washcloth or wet gauze square. Use light, circular motions going over the entire ridge of gums. This washcloth cleansing can begin with the baby's first bath. He may not like having this done at first so you will want to start slowly with the gums in the front and work your way to the back gums, being sure to gauge his gag reflex as you go. After doing this a few times he will be more accustomed to having something foreign in his mouth and, hopefully, not fuss as much.

2. Brush new baby teeth gently with a small headed, soft bristled toothbrush. Use light, circular motions over the surface of the tooth. As the baby teeth push completely through the gum, gently brush the surface, front and back using warm water only on the toothbrush. You may use a small dot of non-fluoridated toothpaste only before the age of two. After the age of two a child can use a small, pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on his brush. Brushing should occur at least twice each day, preferably after eating or drinking.

3. Brush the baby's or toddler's tongue as he will allow it. You can simply make one pass from back to front, being careful not to place the toothbrush too far back into the mouth. Accomplishing this tongue brushing helps to remove bacteria that cause bad breath.

Tips & Warnings

• Baby's first toothbrush should be one with a fairly large handle and good grip because the adult caregiver will be the person holding the toothbrush at first.

• Never give a child under two fluoride toothpaste and always supervise even after age two because children are prone to swallowing some toothpaste when they brush. Swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause a condition called fluorosis.

References

• babycenter: How to care for your baby's gums and emerging teeth