Baby Oral Care: Setting Up Healthy Habits From the Start

Why Early Oral Care Matters

Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, oral care plays a big role in their health. Baby teeth help with speech, chewing, and guiding adult teeth into place. Good oral habits from day one make teething easier and lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Cleaning Your Baby’s Gums

Before teeth emerge, gently wipe your baby’s gums after each feed. Use a soft, damp cloth or a silicone finger brush to remove milk residue. This keeps bacteria away and gets your baby used to mouth cleaning early.

Tip: Keep it fun! Use gentle strokes and sing a short song so your baby starts to enjoy this routine.

When the First Tooth Appears

Once that first tiny tooth pops through (usually around 6 months), it’s time to upgrade your routine.
Use a baby toothbrush with soft bristles and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Brush twice a day — especially before bedtime.

The Teething Co’s silicone toothbrushes are perfect for little hands to hold and explore, turning brushing time into a fun, sensory experience.

Soothing Teething Discomfort

Teething can make babies drool more and want to chew on anything. Offer safe teething toys to massage sore gums and reduce irritation.
Cold teethers or silicone rings are excellent for comfort — plus they help strengthen your baby’s jaw muscles for future chewing.

💡 Try our Bee Teether or Watering Can Teether Set — gentle, textured, and easy to clean!

Avoiding Tooth Decay

Even baby teeth can get cavities. To prevent them:

• Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle.

• Avoid sugary snacks and drinks.

• Introduce water in a cup by 12 months.

• Continue brushing morning and night.

Toddler Oral Care Tips

By the toddler stage, your child can start “helping” with brushing. Let them hold their toothbrush while you finish the job. Choose fun, colorful brushes and natural toothpaste to make it enjoyable.

Make brushing part of the daily routine — like putting on pajamas or story time — so it feels natural rather than a chore.

When to See a Dentist

Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. This early check-up helps your dentist monitor growth and give advice on brushing and diet.

Building Lifelong Habits

Oral care is about more than clean teeth — it’s about confidence, comfort, and overall health. Starting early teaches kids that caring for their mouth is just as important as any other part of their body.

At The Teething Co, we’re passionate about helping parents through every teething and oral care stage with safe, practical, and beautiful baby products.