Matchstick Monkey brushing guide: when to start brushing your baby's teeth

Healthy oral care starts earlier than many parents expect. This guide covers the first steps, from cleaning gums to brushing first teeth.

Before the first tooth

You do not need a toothbrush yet. Wrap a clean, moist gauze pad or soft, damp washcloth around a clean finger and gently wipe along the gums. The aim is not to scrub, just to introduce gentle mouth care calmly.

From the first tooth

As soon as the first tooth appears, introduce a soft baby toothbrush. Brush twice a day, morning and night.

1. Choose a secure, comfortable position, such as your baby lying across your lap, or sitting or standing together in front of a mirror.
2. Use small, gentle movements rather than scrubbing.
3. Brush the front, back and chewing surfaces of every visible tooth, even if there is only one.
4. Smile, talk or sing while you brush to keep it positive.

Toothpaste

Current Australian guidance generally recommends a soft toothbrush and water only for babies up to 17 months, unless your dentist recommends toothpaste earlier. From 18 months to five years, a small pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste can generally be used twice a day. Encourage your child to spit it out rather than swallow it.

If you are unsure what is right for your child, ask your dentist, GP or maternal and child health nurse.

Making it easier

• Let your baby hold a second toothbrush while you brush.
• Brush your own teeth at the same time.
• Sing the same short song each time.
• Keep the routine short, calm and predictable.
• If a session goes badly, simply try again at the next brushing time.

Chewing the toothbrush is normal while babies get used to it. Let them explore, but an adult should still do the brushing.