How to Use a Silicone Finger Toothbrush for Baby Teeth

Quick answer

To use a silicone finger toothbrush, slip it onto your clean index finger, apply a rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste (if age-appropriate), and gently brush baby's gums and emerging teeth in small circles.

Step-by-step guide to using a silicone finger toothbrush

1. Wash your hands and the brush: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse the silicone finger toothbrush with warm water and a drop of mild soap, then rinse well. Dry your hands and the brush completely before use. A common mistake is skipping the pre-rinse; leftover dust or packaging residue can irritate baby's mouth.
2. Slip the brush onto your index finger: Place the brush over your index finger so the bristles face outward. Push it down until it fits snugly around your finger. The brush should not slide or rotate when you move your finger. If the brush feels loose, try a different finger or wet your finger slightly to create a better seal. A loose brush can slip off during brushing.
3. Apply a small amount of toothpaste (if using): For babies under 3 years, use a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste on the bristles. For infants with no teeth yet, you can skip toothpaste and just use water. Using too much toothpaste can cause foaming that upsets a baby; a rice-grain amount is sufficient.
4. Position your baby comfortably: Hold your baby in a supported sitting or lying position where you can see inside their mouth. Many parents find it easiest to sit on the floor with the baby in their lap, facing away. Brushing while the baby is lying flat can make them gag; a slight recline is safer and more comfortable.
5. Brush in small circular motions: Gently brush the front and back of each tooth and along the gum line using small circles. Spend about 30 seconds on each quadrant (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left). For teething relief, use the textured side to massage sore gums. Don't scrub back and forth like an adult toothbrush; circular motions are gentler and more effective at removing plaque.
6. Rinse the brush and store it properly: After brushing, rinse the finger toothbrush under warm running water and squeeze the bristles to remove any trapped toothpaste. Place it in the storage case or a clean, dry spot away from other toothbrushes. Storing the brush while still damp can encourage mold growth; let it air-dry completely before closing the case.

Product used in this guide

• Silicone Finger Toothbrush Grey and Yellow (Twin Pack): The Dr. Brown's Silicone Finger Toothbrush features soft, 100% silicone bristles that gently clean baby's gums and emerging teeth, and a dual-sided design with a textured surface to massage sore gums and cheeks. The dual-sided texture means you can switch between gentle cleaning and soothing massage without changing tools, and the included storage case keeps the brush clean between uses.