Is it a bad idea to use miswak with the first teeth?

Good idea!: Miswak is a wooden stick from a specific tree. One end is made to expose soft fibers that clean the tooth surfaces. Of course, its use is very technique sensitive. Medicinal properties of the twig are trivial. For use on children, tell a little story about "happy magic tree families from far away that help children grow..., " or something similar to both distract and explain this daily routine.

Ok if used properly: Miswak sticks have been used to clean teeth for hundreds of years. There is no harm using it on baby teeth, however just like a commercial toothbrush the parent needs to help the child use it the correct way. If you don't like the results you can always change to a commercial toothbrush.