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Good oral hygiene habits can begin before the first tooth erupts by wiping or gently brushing their gums.  By starting early, your baby will develop the healthy feel for a clean mouth.  In addition, your baby's teeth will erupt into an environment more protective against tooth decay.  As soon as teeth erupt, they should be kept clean either by brushing our using a piece of gauze.  You can get cavities on baby teeth if you do not keep them clean.

Initially, the gum pads and any erupted teeth can be cleaned with a wet gauze or washcloth after bottle or breast feeding and before bedtime. As more teeth begin to erupt, we recommend a child size tooth brush with soft bristles. It is not necessary to use toothpaste with infants; however, as your child becomes a toddler, a small, pea size amount of toothpaste can be used.  Ideally, you should use fluoridated toothpaste as soon as your child can spit the toothpaste out after brushing. It is easier to brush you child's teeth with them facing away from you and you standing behind them.  Circular movement of the brush is preferred to scrubbing left to right. Your dentist or pediatric dentist can discuss various brushing techniques and the best one suited for your child.  

Because proper brushing requires a certain amount of skill and dexterity, do not expect your child to be able to properly brush until approximately five years of age.  Even then, most children require supervision until the age of eight.  Until your child has demonstrated the ability to adequately brush independently, an adult should assume the responsibility at least twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime.