When to Start Brushing a Baby’s Teeth? Start brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts, typically between 6 and 12 months. How to Start and What to Use? Tools: Under 18 months: Soft infant toothbrush (small head, gentle bristles) + water only. 18 months+: Same toothbrush + a rice-grain-sized smear of low-fluoride toothpaste (e.g., Colgate Kids 0-2 years, Himalaya Baby Toothpaste). Method: Position: Sit baby on your lap, head tilted back. Technique: Brush gently in small circles on teeth and gums (front, back, top) for 2 minutes. Frequency: Twice daily—morning and bedtime. Tips: No swallowing of toothpaste. Replace toothbrush every 3 months. First dental visit by age 1. Food List for a 1-Year-Old (Indian Context) Balanced, soft foods for a 1-year-old, alongside milk (breast milk/formula): Breakfast (8-9 AM): Suji (semolina) porridge: 2 tbsp suji, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp jaggery, mashed banana. Mini idli: 2-3 pieces with 1 tbsp diluted sambar (no spice). Mid-Morning Snack (11 AM): Mashed fruit: 1/2 ripe mango or 1 small steamed apple. Lunch (1 PM): Khichdi: 2 tbsp rice + 1 tbsp moong dal, mashed with 1 tsp ghee and 1 tbsp boiled carrot/pumpkin. Curd: 2-3 tbsp (plain, homemade). Afternoon Snack (4 PM): Ragi porridge: 1 tbsp ragi flour, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp jaggery. Dinner (7 PM): Roti: 1/4 soft wheat roti, mashed with 1 tbsp dal (moong/toor). Vegetable puree: 2 tbsp boiled spinach or beetroot, mildly seasoned. Before Bed (9 PM): Warm milk: 100-150 ml (plain or with a pinch of turmeric). Notes: Avoid salt/sugar excess (max 1 tsp/day). No honey until age 2. Offer 2-3 cups water daily (sips between meals).

You can start

You can start brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts with a grain sized amount of tooth paste increasing it to pea sized amount later