When should I start an oral hygiene routine for my baby?

Even before your baby has a single tooth, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. For little ones younger than three months old, gently clean their gums each day with a damp washcloth (skip the toothpaste for now). Once your baby is over three months old or their first tooth erupts, you can start brushing their teeth (or tooth) and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for babies.

What is the 2-2-2 rule?

The 2-2-2 rule is a great way for kids (and adults!) to remember good oral hygiene practices. It looks like this: - Brush your teeth at least two times a day - Spend two minutes during each brushing session - Visit the dentist for a professional dental cleaning two times a year

How can I maintain oral hygiene during pregnancy?

The same oral hygiene guidelines apply during pregnancy. In fact, caring for your teeth is even more important when you’re pregnant because pregnancy can increase the risk of certain oral health issues. If you’re expecting, continue to brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily, and be sure to keep your regular dental cleaning appointments (just tell your dentist you’re pregnant). Always consult your dentist for a tailored oral health recommendation during pregnancy.

Oral Hygiene: Importance, Tips, and Best Practices for Healthy Teeth

06-19-2025

Having a beautiful smile starts with having great oral hygiene.

In this article, we’ll dive into oral hygiene and why it’s important. We’ll also provide tips and best practices to keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.

Key Takeaways

Oral hygiene, also called dental hygiene, refers to the steps to help keep your teeth and gums healthy, including brushing at least twice per day, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly.
In addition to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, oral hygiene helps keep breath fresh and prevents the need for future dental treatments such as fillings, implants, and root canals. It's also an important part of overall health.
Other lifestyle factors are important if you want to maintain good oral health. You’ll need to eat a balanced diet, avoid acidic and sugary foods and drinks, stay hydrated, and stop smoking.

FAQs

When should I start an oral hygiene routine for my baby?
Even before your baby has a single tooth, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. For little ones younger than three months old, gently clean their gums each day with a damp washcloth (skip the toothpaste for now).

Once your baby is over three months old or their first tooth erupts, you can start brushing their teeth (or tooth) and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for babies.
What is the 2-2-2 rule?
The 2-2-2 rule is a great way for kids (and adults!) to remember good oral hygiene practices. It looks like this:
- Brush your teeth at least two times a day
- Spend two minutes during each brushing session
- Visit the dentist for a professional dental cleaning two times a year
How can I maintain oral hygiene during pregnancy?
The same oral hygiene guidelines apply during pregnancy. In fact, caring for your teeth is even more important when you’re pregnant because pregnancy can increase the risk of certain oral health issues.

If you’re expecting, continue to brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily, and be sure to keep your regular dental cleaning appointments (just tell your dentist you’re pregnant).

Always consult your dentist for a tailored oral health recommendation during pregnancy.

References

https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-hygiene
https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/oral-health-tips-for-adults.html
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/diet-and-dental-health
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dietary-acids-and-your-teeth

About Our Medical Reviewers

Dr. Monika Negi is a qualified Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist with over five years of clinical and academic experience and over two years in P&G Research and Development. A Commonwealth Scholar, she holds a Master of Science in Global Health & Management from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom, and a Master of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Dental Surgery from H.P. University, India.

At Procter & Gamble, Monika plays a pivotal role in the Global Oral Care R&D within the Global Professional & Scientific Relations team. Leveraging her clinical expertise and academic rigor, she drives the scientific advancement of Global Oral Care products, ensuring they are clinically validated, and aligned with industry-leading standards. Monika is also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the Global Professional and Scientific Relations team. Her contributions have enhanced product credibility and fortified P&G’s commitment to evidence-based innovation.

Monika has been partnering with the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health.