Dental Care Checklist – Infants

Caring for your infant’s teeth and gums early on lays the foundation for a healthy, confident smile later in life. Here are five essential tips every parent should follow:

✅ Dental Care Musts for Infants

– 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 at bedtime. This removes milk residue and helps establish good habits.

– Schedule the first dental visit

Your child should see a dentist by age 1, or within six months after the first tooth erupts—whichever comes first. Early dental visits can help prevent future problems and get your child comfortable with dental care.

– Brush baby's teeth daily

Once those tiny teeth come in, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear (grain of rice-sized) amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush after feedings and before bedtime.

– Begin flossing early

When two teeth touch, start gently flossing between them once a day, ideally before bedtime, to remove plaque from places your child’s toothbrush can’t reach.

– Wean off the bottle

If your child uses a bottle, begin weaning them by their first birthday. Prolonged bottle use—especially at night—can increase the risk of decay.

🚫 Watch Out For:

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Sugars in formula, milk, or juice can cling to teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle filled with anything but water. Clean their gums and teeth after each feeding.

Signs of Teething

Teething can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months, with most babies cutting their first tooth around 7 months. Signs include:

• Excessive drooling

• Irritability

• Biting

• Mild cough or low-grade fever

Offer relief with a cold teething ring or chilled bottle of water. If symptoms persist, consult your pediatrician about safe pain relief options like Infants’ Tylenol® or Baby Orajel®.

Excessive Pacifier Use

Pacifiers can soothe and comfort babies, but prolonged use (especially beyond age 3) may lead to dental issues such as misaligned teeth or bite problems. If you’re struggling to wean your child, ask your dentist about alternative comfort strategies.

Start strong with your baby’s oral care. Early habits make a big difference! If you have questions or need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.