A baby's first set of teeth, called primary teeth, start forming inside their gums from 16 weeks of pregnancy. They are almost fully developed but not visible at birth.  

Good health and nutrition during pregnancy helps your baby grow, including their primary teeth.  

See Nutrition during pregnancy for more information. 

How to clean your baby's gums and teeth

Before teeth appear

Gently wipe the gums with a clean, damp cloth after each feed.

After teeth appear

Start brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush.

For babies under 18 months, use water only when brushing teeth.

Teething

Teething is the process of baby’s milk teeth growing through their gums. Milk teeth are the first set of teeth children have that fall out as they age, making way for adult teeth. 

Teething typically happens between 3 to 12 months of age.  

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

1. top and bottom front teeth (central incisors)
2. two teeth on either side of the central incisors (lateral incisors) 
3. large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth (first molars)
4. two, long pointy teeth on either side of the lateral incisors (eyeteeth or canines).

It is a big milestone in a baby's first year, but can be uncomfortable for the baby and create anxiety for parents.

Signs your baby is teething

Teething is a natural process that can cause some side effects in babies that look like illness. Signs your baby is teething include: 

• drooling more than usual
• chewing on hard objects
• sucking on their hands or fingers
• developing a rash around their mouth or on their cheeks
• seem more irritable or upset
• eat less
• disrupted sleep or feeding
• a higher than usual body temperature.

While teething may slightly increase a baby’s body temperature, it shouldn’t lead to a high fever or diarrhea. See your doctor or child and family health nurse if your baby develops a high fever or becomes ill during the teething period. 

Managing the teething process

Make teething more comfortable for babies using the following tips:

• wipe drool often with a cloth or bib
• apply a facial barrier cream to prevent drool rash
• offer firm teething toys or a chilled, wet washcloths
• avoid teething toys with multiple parts or filled with liquid
• once your baby is over 6 months, introduce hard rusks or large, frozen fruit slices
• use over-the-counter pain relief like baby paracetamol and ibuprofen to manage fever and pain.