The Best Baby and Toddler Toothbrushes for Happy Little Mouths

Somewhere between months 6 and 10, you can expect to see baby’s first tooth start to poke through those tiny gums. (Although tiny teeth can emerge as early as 3 months.) A great way to celebrate this major milestone? By getting a baby toothbrush! It’s important to practice good oral hygiene from the get-go, since baby teeth are susceptible to decay. Plus, by getting baby used to the routine early on, you might have less trouble getting your kid to independently brush once the toddler and preschool years roll around. Here find expert advice on what to look for and our picks of the best baby toothbrushes to choose from.

Do you Need a Baby Toothbrush?

In short the answer is yes, you do need to buy a baby toothbrush. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), one out of ten 2-year-olds already have cavities. While baby teeth will eventually fall out, early tooth decay can have long-term consequences, so it’s important to install healthy dental habits from a young age.

Oral Hygiene Habits for Babies and Toddlers

Breastmilk and formula contain natural sugars, which can contribute to early tooth decay. With this in mind it’s important to establish a healthy oral hygiene routine from day dot. Here are some top tips from the AAP to help you do so:

• Find the right tool. Before baby cuts their first tooth, gently cleanse your little one’s mouth after each feed with a clean damp cloth or gauze pad. Once baby’s teeth come in, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush.

• Use the correct amount of toothpaste. For children under 3 years old, use a small smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Once your child hits the 3 year mark, begin to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste.

• Brush twice daily. Around your child’s first birthday, create a healthy routine of brushing twice daily for 2 minutes each time. Pro tip: Use a sand timer to ensure your tot is brushing for the right amount of time.

• Replace your kid’s toothbrush regularly. Dentists recommend replacing a child’s toothbrush every 3 months, otherwise bacteria can build up.

Types of Baby and Toddler Toothbrushes

When it comes to early oral hygiene, there are four main types of toothbrushes to choose from: a gum massager, a teether brush, a baby toothbrush and an electric model. The best baby toothbrush is one that suits your child’s age and stage of development. Read on to learn more about the different types of baby and toddler toothbrushes and their functions:

• A baby gum brush. This kind cleans an infant’s gums before or as the first teeth emerge. Many gum brushes can fit on your finger like a thimble, while others come in wipe form that you can wrap around your finger. You don’t necessarily need toothpaste with either of these, since the wiping action will handle the cleaning. Plus, gum brushes work best in mouths that are less toothy and more gummy.

• A teether toothbrush. This type of toothbrush is a textured teether that, in addition to relieving gum pain, cleans baby’s mouth. You don’t need to use toothpaste with a teether brush, as baby’s chewing scrapes and cleans the teeth on its own.

• A first baby toothbrush. Designed for baby’s that have cut their first teeth, this type is a tiny brush with soft bristles. Use it with a dab of fluoride-free toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

• A baby or toddler electric toothbrush is a pretty new concept, but it does exist! Like adult electric toothbrushes, they can do a lot of the scrubbing work for you. Add a bit of baby toothpaste and wave the brush across baby’s teeth and gums while it whirs.

• A toddler toothbrush is built for independent tots to hold and power themselves. You may need to offer some lessons (and lots of cheerleading), but the payoff is easy-breezy dental visits. Use fluoride-free toothpaste until age 3 unless your child’s dentist suggests otherwise.

What to Look for in a Baby or Toddler Toothbrush

Whether you’re shopping for baby’s first toothbrush or simply want to refresh your tot’s dental hygiene toolkit, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Soft bristles. The most important thing to look for in an infant toothbrush? Soft bristles. Soft toothbrushes are gentle on newly-emerged teeth and sore gums, but still effectively remove bacteria and plaque. During the teething stage baby’s gums are extremely sensitive, so gentle brushing is key to a pain-free process.

• Easy to grip. Go for a toothbrush with a large, easy to grip handle. This will make the brushing process easier for you and your kiddo.

• Materials. The best baby and toddler toothbrushes are made from BPA- and phthalate-free materials.

Best Baby and Toddler Toothbrushes

When choosing a toothbrush, pay attention to the age-grading to find a brush that’s best suited to your child’s needs. Not sure where to start? Sink your teeth into this list of best baby and toddler toothbrush options out there.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Baby Teeth Basics

What You Need to Know About Brushing Baby’s Teeth

When Do Babies Start Teething?