The Most Effective Way to Clean Baby Teeth

Granular xylitol is one of the most effective and easiest ways to clean newly erupting baby teeth. It promotes the good bacteria in a baby's mouth while helping to suppress the bad bacteria. And your baby will love it - no struggling to "clean" teeth with a toothbrush and floss - methods that don't specifically address mouth bacteria. 

STEP 1: Scoop out roughly 1/8 teaspoon of granular xylitol into a small bowl. The amount can be an estimate. I use a 1/4 teaspoon and fill it about halfway. Remember, the goal is a little bit of xylitol, multiple times throughout the day. 

Step 2 - Option 1:  There are 2 options for the second step. This first option is to dip a wet brush directly into the granular xylitol and allow your baby/toddler to suck on the brush. There is no need to "brush" the teeth. Allowing the xylitol to dissolve in their mouth is all you need to do! The toothbrush is just a vehicle for the xylitol and a great way to associate xylitol with dental health.

Step 2 - Option 2: If your child does not like the texture of the granular xylitol - this might be especially true for infants - dissolve the 1/8 teaspoon of granular xylitol in about 1/4 teaspoon of room-temperature filtered water. It should be just enough water to dissolve the granules. Do not add too much water. Also note, xylitol does not dissolve well in cold water - room-temperature water is best. Mix with the toothbrush until mostly or all dissolved.

Step 3 - Option 2: Scoop as much of the xylitol water onto the brush as you can and allow your baby to suck on the brush. You will likely have to do a few dips to use up most of the liquid. You do not need to always use up all of the liquid. The goal is small amounts of xylitol a few times each day.

Aim to do this granular xylitol tooth-cleaning method 3-4 times during the day. Ideally after eating/drinking. 

The granular xylitol - either directly as granules or dissolved in filtered water - is a great way to start your young child on xylitol. As they grow and are able to manage solids safely, you can introduce Zellie's mints in place of the granular xylitol. Kid-favorite flavors are the Cherry Berry and Cool Fruit Mints.

Tip: For the mints, if you are not sure how well your child will manage the small mint, go ahead and break the mint in half until you are confident they can hold and chew the mint in their mouth safely.

 Here is a video showing the joy and deliciousness of using xylitol to clean baby teeth! (We suggest turning the volume up for full effect ;-)