Baby Steps: Your Infant Dental Care Checklist

Establishing good oral hygiene habits early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here are five essential dental care steps every parent should follow for their infant:

• Clean your baby’s gums
  Even before teeth appear, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or soft cloth after feedings and before bedtime. This helps remove milk residue and bacteria.

• Schedule the first dental visit
  Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth erupting—whichever comes first.

• Brush baby teeth daily
  Once teeth appear, brush them gently using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Brush after feedings and at bedtime.

• Start flossing early
  When two teeth touch, begin flossing between them once a day, ideally before bedtime. This helps remove plaque from areas a toothbrush can’t reach.

• Wean from the bottle
  Consult your pediatrician or pediatric dentist for personalized guidance, but in general, weaning from the bottle by age 12 months helps prevent tooth decay and supports proper oral development.

Possible Concerns

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Early childhood cavities—often called "baby bottle tooth decay"—can occur when teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids like formula or juice. To prevent this:

• Clean your child’s teeth and gums after feedings

• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, or juice

• Use water if a bottle is needed for comfort during sleep

Signs of Teething

Your baby’s first tooth may erupt as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months, with most cutting their first tooth around 7 months. Common signs of teething include:

• Excessive drooling

• Increased irritability

• Biting or chewing

• Mild coughing

Offer a cold teething ring or a bottle of cold water for relief. If discomfort persists, consult your pediatrician about using Infants’ Tylenol® or Baby Orajel®, as appropriate.

Excessive Pacifier Use

Pacifiers can be soothing, but prolonged use—especially beyond age 3—may lead to issues like slanted teeth or bite misalignment.
If weaning is a challenge, speak with your pediatric or family dentist about healthy alternatives for comfort.

Starting dental care early builds a strong foundation for your child’s oral and overall health. Have questions or ready to schedule your baby’s first visit? Call our office today—we’re here to help your child grow up smiling!