Caring for Your Baby’s First Teeth

by Dr. Regina, pediatric dentist

When a baby is born, parents are often inundated with information at the hospital. Upon discharge, I know I received an entire folder overflowing with well-meaning pamphlets on childcare.  However, once I arrived home, I was immersed in looking after my baby, and that folder of information quickly got tossed aside. All I really wanted from that folder was the adorable piece of paper with my newborn footprints.

Deep in that folder of information we receive is usually a pamphlet outlining how to care for your little one's first teeth. But, let's be honest, this doesn't become a topic of concern until six months into your baby's life when you start to wonder what you should do to care for those emerging pearly whites. So what are the proper steps for oral care for your little one's first year of life? See below for more details:

Teething

We know teething can be difficult for babies and parents alike.  Below are some useful tips for helping your baby get through this painful phase:

• Frozen objects can provide significant relief for your baby's teething symptoms. Frozen objects that are safe for little ones to chew on include:

  • Frozen washcloths or pacifiers (wet the washcloth or pacifier and freeze for 15-30min).

  • Silicone feeders filled with frozen fruit or veggies that your little one has been exposed to previously to avoid an allergic reaction.

  • Popsicles made from frozen breast milk or formula. 

• Give your baby a silicone brush to chew on.  Silicone brushes can provide your little one with teething relief and introduce them to the concept of brushing.

• Don't compare your baby to the others at the park! All babies follow their own schedules, and if your little one doesn't have teeth emerging by the age of six to eight months, do not worry.  Some children don't get their first teeth until 12-14months.

Brushing

Brushing is essential for keeping your little one’s teeth cavity-free.  The following can help you get into a good brushing routine:

• As a pediatric dentist and the mother of two, the key to getting my children used to brushing was to start early. At around four months old, I recommend brushing with a soft-bristled brush. Your little one will enjoy the sensation on their gums and get used to the experience of having something enter the mouth.

• Start using toothpaste as soon as the teeth emerge. As per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is recommended to start using a smear of fluoridated toothpaste as soon as the first teeth start to appear. Early brushing will prevent cavities before they start! 

First Dentist Visit

We all know how scary the prospect of visiting the dentist can be.  Following are some tips to ensure your little one is comfortable with regular dental checks:

• Find a dental home for your little one in the first year of life.  You will then have someone to turn to in case of dental emergencies or trauma.

• It is essential to have the first dental visit by age one because it helps establish a relationship with the pediatric dental office. Semi-annual visits starting from age one ensure that your child will have had seven dental visits by the time they start pre-school. This routine will ensure that they are well acquainted with their pediatric dentist and won’t be scared later on.

• Don't dread the first visit. Parents are often afraid that their children will cry or will not cooperate with the pediatric dentist at the first visit. As pediatric dentists, we receive an additional two years of education after dental school to learn the best approaches for our pediatric patients. The first visits are mostly informative or educational and help dentists form a positive relationship with your child to ensure ongoing oral healthcare. 

• To locate a pediatric dentist near you, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists website.

Our conclusion is to start brushing your little one’s teeth as early as they start to emerge and to get your child to the dentist at least once a year from the age of one. 

+ References

• “Teething 101: Tips from a Dentist and Dad: The Big Authority on Little Teeth.” AAPD | Mouth Monsters, 2020, mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/teething-101-tips-from-a-dentist-and-dad/.
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry . Guideline on Fluoride Therapy . 2014, www.aapd.org/globalassets/assets/1/7/g_fluoridetherapy1.pdf.
• “Find A PD.” AAPD, www.aapd.org/publications/find-a-pd/.