Dental care for your baby should begin even before that first tooth appears. At Paediatric Dental Home, our specialists at both our Hoppers Crossing and Geelong practices recommend starting oral hygiene routines from birth.
Infant Oral Care
For newborns and young infants, gently wipe the gums twice daily using a clean, damp washcloth or a soft infant finger brush. This not only keeps the mouth clean but also helps your baby become accustomed to having their mouth cleaned, establishing a foundation for good oral hygiene habits.
Once your baby's first tooth emerges (typically between 6 and 10 months of age), it's time to introduce a proper toothbrush. Select a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed specifically for infants and use only a smear of age-appropriate, low-fluoride toothpaste—about the size of a grain of rice. Brush gently twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime.
As Your Child Gets Older
As your child grows and more teeth appear, gradually increase the amount of toothpaste to a small pea-sized amount by age three. Continue to assist with brushing until your child is around 7-8 years old, as young children lack the manual dexterity to clean their teeth effectively on their own.
Remember that early childhood caries (tooth decay) can develop as soon as teeth appear, particularly if your baby sleeps with a bottle containing anything other than water. Avoid putting your baby to bed with milk, formula, juice or sweetened liquids to help prevent decay.
The First Dental Visit
We recommend scheduling your baby's first dental visit at our Geelong or Hoppers Crossing paediatric dental clinic within six months after their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday. This early visit allows our specialist paediatric dentists to assess your child's dental development and provide personalised advice for maintaining optimal oral health.
Establishing good oral hygiene habits early in life sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Our friendly team is always available to demonstrate proper brushing techniques and answer any questions about caring for your baby's developing teeth.