Should I start cleaning my baby’s gums even before his teeth come in?
Yes. Even before your baby sports his first tooth, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of wiping his gums with gauze or a soft wet washcloth during bath time. You don’t need to use any toothpaste yet. Simply wrap the cloth or gauze around your index finger and rub it gently over the gums.
Bacteria in the mouth usually can’t harm the gums before the teeth emerge, but it can be hard to tell when the teeth are starting to push through, so you’ll want to start early. Getting your baby used to having his mouth cleaned as part of his daily routine should make it easier to transition into toothbrushing later on.
What’s the best way to brush my baby’s teeth after they start coming in?
As your child’s teeth start to appear (generally around 6 months), look for a baby toothbrush with a small bristle head and larger grip suitable for your hand. (If your child is healthy and still hasn’t sprouted his first tooth by the end of his first year, don’t worry — some children don’t start getting them until 15 to 18 months.)
As long as you’re cleaning your child’s teeth regularly, you don’t need to use any toothpaste yet. Just brush the teeth gently on both the outside and inside surfaces twice a day. Brush his tongue as well (if he’ll let you) to dislodge the bacteria that can cause bad breath. One quick swipe is enough. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn or splayed out.

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