How to Care for Your Baby's Teeth

When will my baby's teeth appear?

Every baby is different. Generally, teeth start appearing between 6 and 12 months of age, although your baby may begin drooling and chewing more at 4 months. The first teeth to come in are usually the 2 front teeth on the bottom.

Healthy teeth are important to your baby's overall health. Teeth help your baby chew food and form words and sounds when speaking. They also affect the way your baby's jaw grows.

What can I do to help my teething baby?

Teething is usually painless, but it can make some babies uncomfortable and fussy. Try gently massaging your baby's gums using a clean finger. You can also give your baby a cold teething ring or a cold washcloth to chew or suck on. Make sure the teething ring is made of firm rubber and not filled with gel (as the liquid-filled teething rings can break under the pressure of your baby's chewing).

A low-grade fever (up to 100.4 degrees) is often normal in teething babies, but contact your doctor if the fever raises about 100.4 degrees.

What about breast feeding, bottles and sippy cups?

Breast feeding is good for your baby's teeth and overall health.

If you bottle-feed your baby, always hold the baby when you feed him or her. If you allow your baby to have a bottle in the crib, only give him or her one with water (milk and juice contain sugar, which can pool around the baby's teeth as he or she sleeps and cause cavities). Avoid giving your baby juice until he or she is at least one year old.

Your baby can start using a sippy cup when he or she is 6 months old. Only allow sippy cups filled with water in the crib (to prevent cavities).

After your child is one year old, it is okay to allow him or her to drink juice, just limit the amount (as juice is typically high in sugar).

When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?

Start brushing your baby's teeth twice a day when the first tooth appears. The most important time to brush is just before bedtime. Use a baby toothbrush, which is softer than a toothbrush for an older child or adult and will be gentle on your baby's teeth and gums. Put a dab of toothpaste the size of a rice grain on the brush. Ask your doctor or dentist if your baby's toothpaste should contain flouride (say: floor-ide) in it. Fluoride helps stop cavities, but can be harmful if an excess amount is swallowed. This is why it is best to first check with your doctor or dentist before choosing a toothpaste for your baby.

When should I take my baby to the dentist?

Be sure to take your baby to a dentist by his or her first birthday, especially if there is a high risk for cavities or any other problems with his or her teeth. It is better for your child to meet the dentist and see the office before he or she has a tooth problem.