Good oral hygiene begins long before a baby's first tooth appears. Early dental care helps prevent cavities, strengthens gums, and sets the foundation for healthy permanent teeth. Ignoring infant oral hygiene can lead to early childhood caries (ECC), commonly known as baby bottle tooth decay.
If you’re looking for expert pediatric dental care, visit Dr. Shradha Dental Center - a trusted Dentist in Chennai: for infant and child oral health.
When should you start cleaning a baby’s mouth? From birth, even before teeth appear.
How to clean an infant’s gums? Use a soft, damp muslin cloth to wipe gums after each feeding.
First tooth eruption: Usually appears around 6 months, but can vary.
When to introduce a toothbrush? Once the first tooth appears, use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush.
Toothpaste use:
Teething symptoms: Fussiness, drooling, gum irritation—use a cold teething ring for relief.
First dental visit: By age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing.
Early oral care is crucial because baby teeth:
Help in proper chewing & nutrition
Aid in speech development
Maintain space for permanent teeth
Prevent early childhood caries (cavities)
Neglecting early dental care increases the risk of tooth decay, which can lead to pain, infections, and long-term oral health problems. To ensure your baby’s dental health, book an appointment at Dr. Shradha Dental Center - a leading Dentist in Chennai: for pediatric dentistry.
Use a clean, soft muslin cloth or gauze dampened with warm water.
Gently wipe gums after each feeding to remove milk or formula residue.
This prevents bacteria buildup and prepares your baby for brushing later.
Once the first tooth erupts, switch to a soft-bristled baby toothbrush.
Brush twice a day, especially before bedtime.
Toothpaste for infants:
Tip: Avoid swallowing toothpaste—use only a tiny amount. If unsure, consult a Dentist in Chennai:
Common teething symptoms: Drooling, swollen gums, mild irritability.
Relief tips:
If teething symptoms persist or cause excessive discomfort, visit Dr. Shradha Dental Center for guidance.
Do NOT let babies sleep with a bottle of milk or juice—this exposes teeth to prolonged sugar and acid.
Instead, give plain water or a pacifier if needed.
Avoid frequent snacking on sugary foods (biscuits, juices, sweetened milk).
Limit fruit juices—offer whole fruits instead.
Schedule the first dental visit by age 1 to check for early signs of decay.
Pediatric dentists can guide parents on proper brushing & diet.
For early dental checkups, visit Dr. Shradha Dental Center — an expert Dentist in Chennai: for infants and children.
Soft Muslin Cloths – Available from Mee Mee & LuvLap
Baby Toothbrushes – Colgate Kids Extra Soft, Chicco Baby Toothbrush.
Fluoride-Free Toothpaste – Mamaearth Natural, Chicco Fluoride-Free Toothpaste.
Fluoride Toothpaste (1+ years) – Colgate Kids Strawberry, Pepsodent Kids.
Teething Relief – Silicone Teethers from Fisher-Price, Philips Avent Teething Rings.
If you're unsure about which oral care products are best for your baby, consult Dr. Shradha Dental Center for expert recommendations.
At Dr. Shradha Dental Center, we specialize in:
Early dental checkups for infants – Ensuring your baby’s teeth & gums develop properly.
Preventive fluoride treatments – Strengthening enamel & preventing early childhood caries.
Teething & gum care solutions – Helping parents manage teething discomfort effectively.
Parental education – Guiding new parents on best oral hygiene practices for babies.
Gentle, child-friendly environment – Making dental visits comfortable for infants & toddlers.
As a top-rated Dentist in Chennai: we help parents ensure lifelong dental health for their children.
Good oral hygiene starts from infancy. Using a muslin cloth, brushing early, and managing teething symptoms are essential for your baby’s dental health.
By preventing early decay and promoting healthy habits, parents can ensure a lifetime of strong teeth & bright smiles for their children.
Location: Egmore High Road, Chennai
Contact: Book your baby’s first dental checkup today!
Visit the best Dentist in Chennai, for expert infant dental care!
A healthy smile begins at birth!
Journalists & Bloggers: Feel free to backlink this article for insights in dentistry. Our blogs are reviewed from certified Dentist in Chennai, empanelled at Dr Shradha Dental Center