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Home Patient Info Dental Blog Should I Be Brushing Baby Teeth, Even If They Have None?

Should I Be Brushing Baby Teeth, Even If They Have None?


Posted on 3/1/2024 by San Francisco Dental Arts
Dentist and child learn how to brush teethNew parents have questions and concerns.

They worry constantly if they are doing the right thing with regard to the health of their children.

There are many hygiene rules that are different for babies than there are for older children.

Here are some tips and pointers for keeping baby dental hygiene on the right track.

When Do Babies Get Teeth?


Some babies are born with teeth, but they are usually smaller and weaker than deciduous teeth or baby teeth. These natal teeth are quite rare.

Usually, babies are born with no teeth at all.

If your baby is born with no teeth, you can go ahead and start cleaning their mouth after each feeding by wiping out their mouth with a damp washcloth.

There is no need to use any kind of toothpaste or brush because there are no teeth you need to clean.

Your baby will get used to you wiping out their mouths very quickly, and this will help prepare them for the brushing that will come later.

Once Your Baby Starts Getting Teeth


As soon as your baby starts getting their first teeth, you need to start brushing them.

You can brush them twice a day with a tiny amount of toothpaste made for infants and a small infant-sized toothbrush.

Your baby toothpaste does not need to have fluoride in it because too much fluoride in an infant can cause their teeth to become bumpy and discolored.

Once your child has passed their first birthday and they are no longer babies, you can begin to use fluoride toothpaste for children.

Be sure that the toddler toothpaste does not contain alcohol if that is something you are concerned about. By caring for the teeth of your children, you are making sure they have a great transition to caring for their own teeth properly.

Not sure how to start cleaning baby teeth? We can help. Give our office a call today at 415-854-9396 so we can set up an appointment with our dentist for you and your child.
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