A dental hygienist designed and introduced the first toddler toothbrush in 1993. It resembles an oblong-shaped teething toy, with one wide end for easy gripping and a narrow end with a small head of bristles. The shape prevents it from being overinserted in the mouth or swallowed, and some models have bumps around the gripping end on which infants can teeth.

Even before children's primary teeth come in, parents should start promoting oral health in infants by wiping the baby's mouth with a washcloth or gauze pad to prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria.