Baby Teeth, Teething and Oral Health

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Your baby is drooling so much that their bib needs frequent changing. They are also putting everything into their mouth to ‘chew’. Their gums appear swollen and red, their cheeks are flushed, and their sleep patterns seem disrupted. Despite your best efforts, nothing seems to provide relief. They may seem grouchy, irritable, and restless. These are common signs of teething.

A baby's tooth typically appears around 6 months of age, though for some, this can happen earlier or later. The two lower front teeth (incisors) are usually the first to emerge. A full set of baby teeth is generally visible by the time they are about 3 years old.

How To Ease Teething Discomfort

A tooth pushing through the gums can be uncomfortable for your baby. Here are some ways to help make teething less unpleasant:

• Rub or massage their gums with clean fingers or a cold towel. This can help soothe the discomfort.
• Provide comfort and distraction by cuddling and playing with your baby. Reassurance can help ease their distress
• Offer cool foods to help numb the discomfort. Chilled options like yogurt or cold fruit puree can be more appetising than warm or room-temperature foods and can soothe tender gums.
• Use teething rings that can be cooled in the refrigerator. The cold can help reduce gum discomfort, but avoid freezing them, as frozen teething rings can injure your baby's gums.
• If your baby cannot be soothed, consult your dentist or doctor about appropriate pain-relief medication. Teething gels should only be used if advised by your doctor, as some gels may contain ingredients unsuitable for young children

Symptoms like fever and diarrhoea are not typically associated with teething. If your baby experiences these symptoms for an extended period, it's important to consult a doctor as they may be indicative of a more serious infection.

Tips On How To Care For Child's Teeth

Healthy baby teeth are important for your child’s ability to chew, speak properly, and ensure there’s enough room for the permanent teeth to erupt. They also contribute to your child’s self-confidence and self-esteem. However, just like adult teeth, baby teeth can get decay, especially if they are frequently exposed to sugary drinks or snacks. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that attack the teeth. Since baby teeth are smaller and have thinner enamel, decay tends to progress more quickly and cause pain more easily. By practising good oral hygiene and following healthy eating habits, you can help protect your child’s teeth.

How To Prevent Tooth Decay in Baby Teeth:

• It's normal for children to find comfort in a mild bottle but relying on it to fall asleep can harm their teeth. Try alternatives like bedtime stories, lullabies, or cuddling with a favourite toy. A calm routine will help them feel secure without the bottle.
• If your little one still wakes up for milk at night, you could try offering water instead. Or you could slowly make the milk less sweet by adding a bit more water each time.
• Aim to fully wean them off the milk bottle for night feeds by the time they turn 1 year old. Encourage them to drink from a cup as soon as they can hold one.
• Switch your child to full-cream milk by the time they turn 1 year old, as it's a healthier option compared to formula milk which is much sweeter. However, full-cream milk still contains natural sugars, so be mindful, as drinking it too often or for too long can still lead to tooth decay.
• Make brushing your child’s teeth after their milk and before bed a comforting part of their nightly routine to keep their teeth healthy. Begin cleaning your baby’s gums daily with a clean, wet cloth from birth to establish a good routine. Once teeth appear, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for babies to continue the habit.
• Fluoride toothpaste (containing at least 1000ppm of fluoride) helps protect against tooth decay, but swallowing too much can cause fluorosis. For children under 3 who can’t spit, use only a smear of toothpaste (rice-grain size). Always supervise brushing to make sure your child uses the correct amount and doesn’t swallow toothpaste.
• Eating sweet or sticky foods like biscuits, gummies and raisins, or drinking beverages like juice too often, can lead to tooth decay. Try to limit your child’s access to these foods and drinks.
• It’s a good idea to regularly take a peek under your child’s upper lip. If you see any white or brown spots on their teeth, it’s worth mentioning to a dentist as these may be signs of tooth decay.
• Speaking of dentists, try to take your child for their first check-up around their first birthday. The dentist can give you personalised advice on keeping your child’s teeth healthy and using toothpaste properly.

Related: Baby's Here: What to Expect Now

Related: Toothbrushing Guide for children ages 0-2

Related: Steps to Healthy Smile (PDF with simple oral health tips for preschoolers)

Related: Visual Screening Guide for early tooth decay detection in children

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