Looking after your baby’s teeth

Teething is when a baby’s first teeth appear by coming through the gums. It is a normal part of childhood growth and development.

What to expect

• Teething may begin from 3 months and continue until a child is 3 years of age.
• The first teeth to appear are usually the bottom two front teeth, when your baby is around 4 to 7 months old, but for some this may not happen until your baby is 12 to 14 months old.

Teething signs

• More drooling and chewing on things.
• Some fussiness and discomfort.
• Swollen and sore gums. These may feel hard and pointed if you press on them.

How to help when your baby is teething

• Offer cuddles and understanding.
• Give your baby cold teething rings or a clean cold face cloth to chew on.
• Avoid teething rings with gel in them as they can leak, and the gel may not be safe for your baby.
• Unsweetened teething rusks (biscuits for baby’s teeth) – make sure to watch baby closely so they do not choke.

If your child gets really upset, cranky or uncomfortable during teething, and they also have a fever, diaper rash, or runny poop, it is important to check if there might be another health issue. You can call a medical advice line before going to your doctor if you are not sure what to do.

Call healthdirect: 1800 022 222 

Caring for your baby’s teeth

• From the time the first tooth appears, use a soft baby toothbrush with NO toothpaste.
• From 18 months (1 year and 6 months) of age, start using children’s fluoride toothpaste.
• If the water in your house does not have fluoride added, ask a dental professional for advice.

Diet

• Do not give your baby sweet drinks, like soft drink, flavoured or sweetened milk and fruit juices.
• Do not give your baby a bottle in bed.
• Stop using bottles by 12 months.
• Offer healthy foods and avoid processed foods.
• Give water in a cup starting at 6 months.

Oral health