Welcome to your new baby: Your baby's teeth

By the time your baby is 3 years old, she should have all of her 20 baby teeth.

• Some babies get their teeth without any problems. Others have sore gums every time a new tooth comes through. Her gums might be red and swollen and you can feel the hard point of the tooth underneath with your fingertip.
• When your baby is teething, she may not be her usual self. She may want to bite on things, or go off her food and dribble. She may also wake more often at night for comfort.
• Give your baby something firm to bite on such as a cold teething ring.
• Some babies want firm things to chew on such as rusks – others like mushy food for a while.

If your baby seems very uncomfortable, your doctor may suggest using paracetamol.

If your baby is unwell when teething, such as developing a fever, a rash or diarrhoea, see your doctor, as these are not caused by teething.

Cleaning your baby’s teeth

You need to start looking after your baby’s teeth right from the start to ensure healthy teeth as she grows.

• Even before her teeth arrive, wipe her gums after feeds using a damp, clean cloth if she’s awake.
• Once she has the first tooth, use a small soft toothbrush but no toothpaste.
  
• Don’t use toothpaste until she’s 18 months old.
  
  
• Between 18 months and 6 years, use a small pea-sized amount of children’s toothpaste.
• Encourage your child to spit toothpaste out after brushing – not swallow or rinse.

Always put your child to bed with freshly cleaned teeth for a healthy smile.

Caring for teeth

• Sugar or food acids can damage your baby’s teeth. Don’t put anything on your baby’s dummy or clean it with your mouth.
• She only needs breast milk, or infant formula or cooled boiled water in a bottle or baby cup. Remove the bottle after a feed.
• Don't put her to bed with a bottle.
• Once she is 12 months old, she can drink tap water. Babies don’t need fruit juice or other sweet liquids.

Lift the lip

• Lift your child’s lip at least once a month to check for early signs of decay, such as white lines along the gum line.
• This can be reversed, so visit your dentist now.
• More advanced decay can look like brown spots on the teeth. If left untreated, decay can quickly get worse.
• See a dentist if you notice any changes in your child’s teeth.

For more information, visit:

• Dental Health Services 
• Give your child’s teeth a healthy start.