Watching your baby’s first tooth appear is exciting, and it also raises a practical question: what now? Even a single tooth can be at risk of decay, so knowing when and how to start brushing makes a real difference to your child’s oral health from the very beginning.
The good news is that caring for baby teeth doesn’t need to be complicated. A few small habits, kept up daily, can help protect your child’s teeth and set them up for healthy adult teeth later on, and practical toothbrushing tips for children can make the daily routine easier for both of you.
Quick Overview
- Brushing baby teeth is the daily habit of gently cleaning a child’s first teeth and gums to help prevent tooth decay.
- It applies from around six months of age, when the first tooth usually appears, through to the early primary years.
- It involves a soft-bristled brush, the right amount of toothpaste for your child’s age, and small circular motions along the teeth and gum line.
- How well it works can depend on consistency, technique, and how early the routine starts.
- Regular check-ups can help you confirm you’re on the right track for your child’s age and stage.
Below, we explain how to build this routine and what to watch for as your child grows.
When Should You Start Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth?
Most babies get their first tooth around six months of age, though this can vary. As soon as that first tooth appears, it’s time to begin brushing. Before then, gently wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth can help them get used to the sensation.
Starting early matters because decay-causing bacteria can affect teeth as soon as they emerge, and untreated decay can cause tooth loss. Waiting until several teeth have come through means those early teeth spend longer without any cleaning at all.
How to Brush Your Child’s Teeth Properly
Use a small, soft toothbrush designed for babies or toddlers. For children under 18 months, plain water is enough. From around 18 months, a pea-sized amount of children’s low fluoride toothpaste can be introduced.
Brush gently in small circles, covering the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth, as well as along the gum line. Aim for about two minutes, twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed. Not all children sit still for this, so a comfortable position, such as your child’s head resting against you, can help.
Encourage your child to spit out toothpaste rather than rinse, since the small amount left behind continues protecting their teeth.
Making Brushing Part of the Daily Routine
Making Brushing Part of the Daily RoutineYoung children often resist brushing at first, and that’s completely normal. Making brushing time fun, such as singing a song or letting other family members take a turn brushing their own teeth alongside your child, can help it feel less like a chore.
Limiting sweet drinks, especially before bed, also supports healthy teeth alongside good brushing habits.
When to See a Dentist
Regular check-ups help confirm your child’s teeth and gums are developing well, and give you a chance to ask questions about brushing technique or toothpaste choice as your child grows.
If you’re looking for friendly, family-focused dental care for your child, we’d love to help build healthy habits early. Call Lyndarum Family Dentist on 03 9626 9581 or book an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
Start as soon as the first tooth appears, usually around six months of age. Before that, wiping your baby’s gums with a damp cloth can help them adjust to the routine.
How long should I brush my child’s teeth for?
About two minutes, twice a day, is the general guide, though very young children with only a few teeth may need less time to begin with.
References
Healthdirect Australia. (2025). ‘Looking after your baby or child’s teeth’. Healthdirect, 6 November. Sydney, NSW: Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/looking-after-your-baby-or-childs-teeth
Australian Dental Association. (n.d.). ‘Babies and toddlers 0-3 years’. Teeth.org.au. Sydney, NSW: Australian Dental Association Limited. https://www.teeth.org.au/babies-and-toddlers
