Baby Teeth Care Tips: Everything You Need to Know

February 4, 2025

Baby teeth, or primary teeth, play a really important role in your child’s growth and health. These tiny little teeth, though small and temporary, really do a lot! They help your baby chew food, start forming words, and even build confidence as they learn to smile and interact with others. Baby teeth also play a crucial role in keeping space for permanent teeth, ensuring they come in properly. Taking care of these teeth right from the start really sets the stage for healthy oral habits that can stick for life. Here are some practical tips to help you keep your baby’s teeth clean, strong, and healthy.

When Do Baby Teeth Come In?

Before we get started, let’s take a quick peek at when those little baby teeth typically come in. So, baby teeth typically start popping up when your little one is around six months old, and they keep coming in until they’re about three years old.

It’s good to keep in mind that every child is unique, and while some babies might start teething as early as four months, others may not get their first tooth until they turn one. Here are some common teething patterns you can look out for:

6 to 12 months of age: You can expect to see the two bottom front teeth, known as the lower central incisors, come in first. After that, the two top front teeth, or upper central incisors, make an appearance.
9 to 16 months of age: You can expect the teeth right next to the central incisors, known as the upper lateral incisors, to start coming in next.
10 to 12 months of age: You’ll notice their lower lateral incisors starting to come in.
13 to 19 months of age: You’ll notice your little one’s first molars, those back teeth, starting to come in.
16 to 23 months of age: You’ll see those canines, or cuspids, coming in next. They pop up right between the lateral incisors and the first molars.
23 to 33 months of age: Their second molars, which are at the back of their mouths, finish off their set of primary teeth.

When your child hits around three years old, they’re probably going to have a complete set of 20 baby teeth. These teeth will stay in place until they start falling out around age six to make room for their permanent teeth.

It’s super helpful to pay attention to when those baby teeth start coming in. It can help you prepare for teething, set up good oral care habits from the start, and let you keep tabs on your child’s dental development. If you’re concerned about any delays in eruption or anything that seems off, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatric dentist.

How to Clean Baby Teeth and Gums?

Looking after your baby’s teeth and gums starts even before that first little tooth shows up. After feedings, just take a clean, damp washcloth or a silicone finger brush and gently wipe your baby’s gums. This gets rid of milk residue and any harmful bacteria. As soon as that first tooth comes in, it’s time to grab a small, soft-bristled toothbrush made just for little ones.

Use only a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste—like the size of a grain of rice—for children under three. This helps strengthen their teeth and protect against cavities. Gently brush in circular motions, paying attention to the front, back, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. As your little one gets more teeth, don’t forget to brush along the gumline where plaque likes to hang out.

Brushing should be done twice a day—once in the morning and once before bedtime. Even if your child resists a bit, just stay positive and keep things consistent. Making it fun by singing songs or letting them hold the toothbrush can really add to the experience. Getting a head start on dental care not only ensures healthy teeth and gums but also helps establish good oral hygiene habits for life.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Picking the right toothbrush and toothpaste is really important for keeping your baby’s teeth healthy and making brushing enjoyable for them. When you’re choosing a toothbrush, look for one with soft bristles, a small head, and a handle that’s comfortable to hold. Toothbrushes for infants and toddlers are designed to be super gentle on those tiny gums and are perfectly sized to reach every nook and cranny in their little mouths.

When you’re choosing a toothpaste, it’s a good idea to pick one that contains fluoride. It’s awesome for helping to prevent cavities! For little ones under three, just a tiny smear of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, is all you need. When your child turns three or older, you can increase it to a pea-sized amount. Look for a fluoride toothpaste with a kid-friendly flavor to make brushing fun, but steer clear of any that have added sugars.

Don’t forget to change your child’s toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are looking a bit worn out. Using the right tools is a great way to maintain your child’s oral health and to help them build healthy habits as they get older. If you’re feeling a bit uncertain about which toothbrush or toothpaste to choose, our pediatric dentist can help you out with some great recommendations that fit your child’s needs perfectly.

Why Does Fluoride Matter?

Fluoride is really important for making sure your baby’s teeth stay strong and healthy. It’s great for protecting tooth enamel, which is the outer layer of the tooth. It makes it more resistant to decay caused by sugars and acids in food and drinks. Fluoride is pretty cool because it can help reverse early tooth decay by re-mineralizing those weak spots in your enamel. This means it can prevent cavities from getting worse.

Many of our community water supplies contain fluoride in them, which can provide added protection for your child’s teeth. If your tap water is not fluoridated, your pediatric dentist may recommend a fluoride supplement or fluoride varnish during check-ups to make sure your child’s teeth receive the right level of protection.

Fluoride treatment is a safe and effective way to maintain strong baby teeth, which serve as the foundation for lifelong oral health. Regular dental check-ups are a fantastic opportunity for your pediatric dentist to monitor your child’s fluoride needs and ensure their teeth are well protected.

Getting Into a Brushing Routine

Getting into a regular brushing routine is one of the most important steps in protecting your child’s oral health. By establishing this habit early, you set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Set up a Schedule: Make brushing part of your child’s everyday routine. Brush their teeth twice a day—once in the morning and again before bedtime. Brushing before bed is especially important, as it removes food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities overnight.
Make It Fun: Turn brushing into a fun activity by playing their favorite song, using a toothbrush with their favorite character, or even turning it into a game. Brushing together can be a fun way to get them to copy what you do!
Lend a Hand: Kids usually need a hand when brushing their teeth until they get the hang of it, which is usually around six or seven years old. Help them out by walking them through the steps and make sure they brush for a solid two minutes, covering all surfaces of their teeth.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate your child’s efforts with praise or small rewards, like a sticker chart, to keep them excited about brushing regularly. Encouraging them with some positive reinforcement can really boost their excitement and confidence to maintain the habit.
Stick to It: Even on those busy days or when your little one isn’t in the mood, it’s a good idea to stick to the routine. Over time, brushing will just become a normal part of their daily routine.

Showing kids why clean teeth matter from an early age helps them develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use

Thumb sucking and using pacifiers are really common ways for babies and little kids to calm themselves down, and they’re typically harmless in the early years. They provide comfort and help babies feel secure, especially during stressful moments or while falling asleep. These habits are totally normal and often fade away as kids get older. However, prolonged use beyond a certain age can affect your child’s teeth development.

If these habits continue beyond age three, it can mess with how the teeth line up and how the roof of the mouth develops. It can lead to bite issues, such as an open bite or crossbite, and it could affect how adult teeth come in position-wise.

Check out these tips for cutting back on the habit:

Encourage alternative comfort methods, like cuddling with a favorite toy or blanket.
Give your child some compliments and little rewards when they skip thumb-sucking or using a pacifier.
Gradually reduce pacifier use to specific times, like bedtime or naptime, until your child feels ready to let it go entirely.
For thumb-sucking, try gentle reminders and distractions when you notice the habit.

Remember, every child develops and learns in their own unique way and at their own speed. Being patient and using positive reinforcement can really help them get through these habits.

What to Do During Teething?

Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, often leading to some discomfort and fussiness. Check out these simple ways to help soothe their discomfort and care for those emerging teeth:

Recognize the Signs: When your little one is teething, you might notice excessive drooling, swollen or tender gums, some irritability, and a habit of chewing on things. Some babies might have trouble sleeping or their feeding habits could change a bit.
Cold Relief: Chill a teething ring, spoon, or a damp washcloth in the refrigerator (not the freezer) and give it to your baby to chew on. This can soothe sore gums. If your baby has started on solid food, chilled mashed bananas, applesauce, or soft fruits can be a great way to offer some relief and nutrition.
Gum Massage: Use clean fingers to massage your baby’s gums in circular motions gently. This pressure can help alleviate discomfort.
Distract and Engage: Sometimes, a favorite toy, book, or warm bath can really help take their mind off teething pain.
Avoid Irritants: Try to steer clear of foods or items that are really hot, cold, or hard. This can make their sensitivity worse.
Manage Drool: Make sure to keep your baby’s chin nice and dry to avoid any irritation from drooling. Try using soft bibs or cloths.
Cuddling and Comfort: Give extra cuddles and comfort during this time. Holding and rocking your baby can help soothe them emotionally.
Pain Relief Medication: If necessary, consult with your pediatrician about whether over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are okay for your little one (just make sure it’s suitable for their age).
Avoid Certain Products: Avoid teething gels that have benzocaine in them. They’re not advised for kids under two because of possible serious side effects.

Teething is such a natural and exciting milestone! Sure, it can be a bit challenging, but it’s also a wonderful sign that your baby is growing. With a bit of care and support, you can definitely make this transition smoother for both you and your little one.

First Pediatric Dental Visit

Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends taking your kiddo to the dentist about six months after their first tooth pops up or by the time they turn one? That’s definitely something to remember! This early visit isn’t just about checking out teeth; it’s really about ensuring your child has a positive experience and starts off on the right foot with healthy habits.

During the first dental visit, our pediatric dentist will gently examine your baby’s teeth and gums to make sure everything is developing properly. We’ll also share some helpful tips on teething, how to clean baby teeth, and nutrition advice to reduce the risk of cavities in baby teeth. Parents can use this opportunity to ask questions about their child’s oral health and get expert advice tailored to their baby’s needs.

Regular dental check-ups, usually every six months, help us spot potential problems early on, like early signs of tooth decay, improper tooth eruption, or gum problems before they turn into bigger concerns. These visits are a great opportunity to add some preventive care treatments to your child’s dental care. And help kids become familiar with the dental setting, which can really ease any fears or anxieties they might have about dental care as they grow up.

Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks

Eating sugary foods and drinks can really raise the chances of getting cavities in baby teeth. When your little one loves sugary drinks like juice, formula, or sweet treats, the sugars combine with bacteria in their mouth, leading to acids that can damage tooth enamel. This can lead to tooth decay, even in baby teeth, as they’re more vulnerable due to their thinner enamel.

To protect your child’s smile, try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks in their diet. Instead, offer healthy snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, or yogurt, which support overall health and are better for their teeth. When you’re serving juice, go for 100% fruit juice, serve it during mealtimes, and opt for a cup instead of a bottle to reduce the risk of prolonged sugar exposure. Having water between meals is the best option for keeping your child hydrated while rinsing their mouth and cutting down on sugar buildup.

No Bottles at Bedtime

Giving your baby a bottle at bedtime might seem harmless, but it can actually cause some big dental problems later on. When your little one falls asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice, the sugars in those drinks can settle around their teeth. This creates an ideal environment for bad bacteria to grow and make acids, which can cause tooth decay, commonly known as “baby bottle tooth decay.”

To help protect your baby’s teeth, consider creating a bedtime routine that doesn’t include bottles. If your little one needs some comfort, try giving them a pacifier or a bottle of plain water instead. Once those little teeth start coming in, don’t forget to give their teeth and gums a good clean before you tuck them in for the night. This helps clear away food bits and sugar that bacteria can feed on overnight.

When to Start Flossing?

Flossing is super important for keeping those teeth and gums healthy, even for your little ones. It’s a good idea to start flossing your child’s teeth when their first two teeth touch, which typically happens around the ages of two to three. At this stage, food particles and plaque can really start to build up in places a toothbrush can’t reach. This can raise the risk of cavities and gum irritation, which isn’t good.

To make flossing easier, use soft, child-friendly flossers designed for small hands and mouths. Start by gently sliding the floss between each pair of teeth that are touching, and be sure to clean just below the gumline. Getting into this habit early makes it easier to keep your child’s baby teeth clean and lays the groundwork for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.

Say goodbye to dental drama and hello to happy smiles! At Children’s Dentistry of Knoxville, we’re all about making dental visits easy, fun, and stress-free for your family. Ready to kickstart your kiddo’s journey to a lifetime of healthy teeth? Book their appointment today – let’s make those pearly whites shine!