Dental hygiene

Babies' dental development

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. 

Looking after baby’s new teeth

Teething usually starts between 3 and 12 months old- most common around 9 months. Getting a first tooth is an exciting and painful milestone for babies.  

Caring for your baby's gums and teeth in the first year: 

  • before teeth appear
    • gentle wipe the gums with a clean, damp cloth after each feed
  • when teeth appear
    • start brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush
    • book your baby’s first dental visit 

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

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

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.  

It is a big milestone in a baby's first year but can: 

  • be uncomfortable for the baby
  • create anxiety for parents. 

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) 

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

Safe ways to make teething more comfortable for babies: 

  • 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 

Myths about teething management

Some teething remedies are unsafe for babies and should be avoided. They can cause serious harm and in some cases, death. 

Never: 

  • give babies aspirin
  • apply alcohol or honey to gums or a dummy
  • use amber teething necklaces or bracelets
  • using teething gels or tablets unless recommended by your doctor 

See Nutrition for more information.