When and how should I start cleaning my baby’s mouth?

You should begin wiping your baby’s gums and mouth after each feeding even before the first teeth erupt. You can use a washcloth, a finger brush, or a soft infant toothbrush to accomplish this. Once there are teeth you can use any soft bristled infant brush with a small head. You do not need to use toothpaste if your child cannot yet spit. If you choose to use toothpaste before he/she can spit, remember to use a “safe to swallow toothpaste” (i.e. one without Fluoride).

When will my baby start getting teeth?

The first baby teeth usually erupt by 6 months of age, however timing of eruption is not as important as sequence of eruption. The last of the 20 baby teeth are usually in by 2 ½-3 years of age.

When should my child be weaned from the bottle?

Bottle feeding should stop at 12-14 months.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries?

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries are cavities with occur in a predictable pattern on the teeth of infants and toddlers. This condition is caused by sleeping with the bottle or frequent “at will” breast-feeding during the night for a prolonged period of time.

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