Brush your baby’s first teeth

Begin a gentle twice-daily brushing routine when the first tooth appears, using a soft infant brush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.

Illustration of a small toothbrush, rice-sized toothpaste smear, and two daily brushing marks

When your baby’s first tooth appears, brush it twice a day with a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. An adult should do the brushing. Ask a dentist or clinician which toothpaste and amount suit your child and local water context. AAPD recommendations AAP guidance

Key takeaways

Start brushing when the first tooth erupts; a dental visit does not replace daily care at home.
Use a soft, small, age-appropriate brush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under three, following professional advice.
Brush twice daily, including before bed; an adult performs the brushing for a baby and helps a toddler.
Ask a dentist about toothpaste concentration, fluoride exposure, or any individual concern.

A simple routine by what you can see
No visible tooth yet	Ask your child’s clinician or dentist how they recommend caring for the gums.
First tooth appears	Begin caregiver brushing with a soft infant brush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Several teeth	Keep brushing twice daily; let your child hold a second brush while you complete the cleaning.
Routine is difficult	Try the same calm time and position, then ask a dentist to demonstrate a comfortable hold.

Make brushing manageable

Choose a soft brush with a small head that fits your baby’s mouth.
Use only a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under three, unless your dentist gives different individual advice.
Brush gently along the visible tooth surfaces twice a day. Let the adult guide the brush rather than asking a baby to do it alone.
Keep the routine brief and predictable. A toddler may hold a second brush for practice after you have cleaned the teeth.

What to observe

Notice when brushing feels easiest, how your child responds to the brush and position, and whether any tooth or gum area seems difficult to reach. Do not force a painful area; ask a dentist to check it.

A useful note to keep

For a dental visit, note when the first tooth appeared, which brushing times are working, the toothpaste label, and questions about your local water or fluoride sources.

A question for a clinician

“Could you show me the brushing position and confirm the toothpaste amount for my child’s age and the fluoride available where we live?”

Limits of this guide

This is general prevention guidance, not a dental examination or an individualized fluoride plan. Toothpaste and fluoride advice can depend on age, tooth condition, water, and other exposures. Tracking is not diagnosis; a qualified dentist should address pain, visible changes, or personal concerns.

For more context, read these related Emomo guides: what to expect at a baby’s first dental visit prepare notes for a clinician visit browse all Emomo family guides