Dental hygiene for babies

Babies' dental development

A baby's first set of teeth develop inside the gums from the 16th week of pregnancy and are almost fully formed at birth. They are also known as primary teeth.

Good health and diet during pregnancy increase the strength of a baby's primary teeth. See Nutrition during pregnancy for more information.

Looking after baby’s new teeth

Getting a first tooth is an exciting and sometimes painful milestone for babies. Teething can start between 3 and 12 months, but is common around nine months.

Here are some quick tips on how to care for a baby's gums and new teeth in their first year:

  • before teeth appear, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the gums gently after each feed
  • as soon as a tooth appears, start brushing it twice a day with soft bristles
  • for babies under 18 months, only use water for brushing teeth
  • visit a local dentist for advice on dental care and to check the development of teeth.

Book your child's first dental appointment when their first tooth emerges or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.

Teething

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby's first year. It can be a long and uncomfortable process that causes discomfort, stress and anxiety for both parents and babies. Understanding the teething process can help parents and carers manage any stress and give their babies some relief while their new teeth are arriving.

Teething typically begins around three months, with the first tooth often appearing anywhere between 3-12 months. 

Teeth will usually appear or erupt from the gums in the following order:

  1. Central incisors: top and bottom front teeth
  2. Lateral incisors: the two teeth on either side of the central incisors
  3. First molars: larger, flatter teeth towards the back of the mouth
  4. Eyeteeth or canines: the two, longer and pointier teeth on either side of the lateral incisors.

Signs of teething

Teething is a natural process that can cause some side effects in babies that look like illness.

Along with a strong urge to chew on hard objects like keys, babies may:

  • drool more than usual
  • develop a drool rash on the cheeks and around the mouth
  • become irritable or upset
  • eat less
  • have disrupted sleep and feeding schedules
  • develop a slightly increased temperature.

Some babies will not be bothered by teething; others may become very unsettled.

While teething can occasionally cause a slight increase in body temperature, it should not lead to a high fever or diarrhea. 

See your local doctor if your baby develops a high fever or becomes seriously ill while teething.

Tips on managing the teething process

Here are some tips to help make teething more comfortable for babies:

  • prevent and manage drool rash by gently wiping the face, applying a facial barrier cream, and using a cloth bib
  • provide safe items for babies to chew on, like chilled wet washcloths or teething toys that are one solid piece
  • avoid teething toys that are filled with liquid or come apart in pieces
  • introduce hard rusks and thick, frozen fruit slices like orange wedges when your baby is over six months old
  • use over-the-counter pain relief like baby paracetamol and ibuprofen to manage fever and pain.

Myths about teething management

There are several myths about teething management that could be harmful to babies and may even cause death.

It's essential for parents and carers to follow these safety tips when managing teething: 

  • never give aspirin to babies
  • never apply alcohol or honey to a baby's gums or a dummy
  • never use amber teething necklaces, bracelets, or anklets, as they can cause strangulation and death
  • avoid using teething gels and tablets unless prescribed by a doctor.