Recommended Oral Hygiene for a 2-Month-Old Infant
For a 2-month-old infant, oral hygiene should consist of gently wiping the gums with a clean, soft, damp cloth or gauze after feedings, even though teeth have not yet erupted. 1
Oral Hygiene Before Tooth Eruption
- Gum cleaning: Use a clean, soft, damp cloth or gauze to gently wipe the infant's gums after feedings and before bedtime
- Purpose: This practice helps remove bacteria and food residue while establishing good oral hygiene habits early
- Frequency: Ideally after feedings and before bedtime
- Technique: Wrap the cloth around your finger and gently wipe all gum surfaces
Anticipatory Guidance for Parents
Feeding Practices
- Avoid prolonged bottle or breast feeding during sleep as this increases risk of early childhood caries once teeth erupt 2, 1
- If the infant breastfeeds to sleep, wipe the gums afterward to minimize future caries risk 2
- Limit frequency of sugary drinks and snacks as the infant grows 1
Preparing for Tooth Eruption
- Primary teeth typically begin to erupt around 6 months of age 1
- Once the first tooth erupts, begin brushing twice daily with a rice grain-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste 2, 1
- Parents should assist with brushing until the child develops adequate manual dexterity (usually around age 6) 1
Establishing a Dental Home
- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend establishing a "Dental Home" within 6 months of first tooth eruption but no later than 12 months of age 1
- Regular dental visits should occur every 6 months once teeth have erupted 1
- Early professional intervention provides an opportunity for:
- Oral examination
- Risk assessment
- Parent education on proper oral hygiene techniques
- Prevention of dental injuries
- Prevention of early childhood caries
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Delayed oral hygiene: Waiting until teeth erupt before starting oral hygiene practices
- Bottle propping: Allowing infants to fall asleep with bottles containing milk, formula, or juice
- Ignoring gum health: Failing to clean gums before teeth erupt
- Overlooking early dental visits: Not establishing a dental home by 12 months of age
- Using incorrect cleaning materials: Using harsh materials that could irritate sensitive gum tissue
Teething Management (When Applicable)
- For teething discomfort (typically beginning around 6 months), recommended approaches include:
- Gentle gum massage
- Cold (not frozen) teething rings
- Swaddling and comfort measures 1
- Avoid benzocaine products in children under 2 years due to risk of methemoglobinemia 1
By implementing these oral hygiene practices from an early age, parents can help establish lifelong healthy habits and reduce the risk of dental problems as their child grows.