Baby Teeth 101: Care Tips for New Parents

Your newborn already has a full set of 20 baby teeth hidden in their gums, and they can emerge anywhere between 3 and 12 months. Understanding their development is a vital part of parenting. 

Most babies get their first teeth between 6 and 10 months. The whole ordeal continues until they reach about 3 years old. That means your baby’s oral health care needs to start early on.

In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know about caring for your baby’s teeth and gums—from their first smile to their complete set of pearly whites.

Understanding Your Baby’s First Teeth

Believe it or not, your baby’s teeth start to form during pregnancy, around Week 5. This amazing development continues after birth, and most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 10 months.

The lower front teeth (central incisors) break through the gums first. These small teeth emerge in a predictable way, and babies usually get their teeth in pairs – one on each side of their upper or lower jaw.

Here’s when you can expect your baby’s teeth to appear:

Your baby will grow a complete set of 20 primary teeth—10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw—by age 3.

These primary teeth do more than help with chewing. They play a crucial role in your baby’s speech development, keep space for permanent teeth and shape facial development. Knowing this timeline helps parents prepare for each stage of their baby’s dental growth.

Caring for Baby Gums Before Teeth

Your baby’s oral health care should start before their first tooth appears. We recommend gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad after each feeding to remove harmful bacteria. This simple practice keeps the gums healthy and helps your baby get comfortable with oral care routines.

Here’s how to clean your baby’s gums properly:

• Support your baby’s head in a comfortable position
• Wrap a clean, damp cloth around your index finger
• Massage the gum tissues gently with circular motions
• Clean after feeds in the morning and evening

Preventing bacteria transfer is significant during these early months. Your baby isn’t born with decay-causing bacteria in their mouth. You should avoid cleaning dummies in your mouth or sharing utensils because this can transfer harmful bacteria to your baby.

Watch for teething signs, which usually start between four and six months. Red, swollen gums and excessive drooling often indicate emerging teeth. You can ease teething discomfort with a clean, cold teething ring or by massaging the gums gently with a chilled washcloth.

Note that you should continue this oral care routine even during teething, though tender gums need gentler handling.

Starting to Brush Baby Teeth

Your baby’s first tooth marks the perfect time to introduce a toothbrush into their oral care routine.

The right toothbrush makes all the difference. Look for one that has a small head and extra-soft bristles made just for infants. Your baby’s toothbrush should have no more than three bristle rows so it fits well in their small mouth.

Water works best for cleaning teeth from birth until 18 months. After that, you can start using a low-fluoride children’s toothpaste—just a rice-grain sized amount. This tiny amount remains safe even if your baby swallows it, so you won’t need to worry about accidents.

Here’s how you can brush your baby’s teeth properly:

• Position your baby where you can see their mouth clearly
• Rest their head against your body while cupping their chin
• Clean each tooth’s front and back with gentle circular motions
• Focus on the area where teeth meet gums

Brushing becomes a good habit when it’s fun. Your baby might enjoy holding a toy or listening to songs during brushing. You can also let them hold another toothbrush under your watch to make them feel like they’re more part of the process.

A new toothbrush is needed every three to four months, or earlier if bristles look worn out. The brush needs to stay upright in an open container between uses so it dries properly.

Start Your Baby’s Oral Health Journey with Camira Dental

Your baby’s dental care needs consistent attention right from the start. A gentle approach to gum care and support through each teething milestone will build a strong foundation for dental health.

Camira Dental is an experienced dental practice in Ipswich that treats patients of all ages. Contact us today for expert guidance on your baby’s dental hygiene or if you’d like to book an appointment.