Caring for New Teeth
Healthy smiles start early. Even before your child’s first tooth appears, good oral care habits help build the foundation for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth and gums. Baby teeth — also called primary teeth — are essential not just for cute smiles, but for chewing, speech development, and guiding permanent teeth into the right positions.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
Chewing and nutrition: Baby teeth help your child chew foods properly — the first step in healthy digestion.
Speech and confidence: Primary teeth help children learn sounds and speak clearly.
Guiding adult teeth: They hold space so permanent teeth can come in straight and healthy later.
Preventing problems: Decay in primary teeth can spread and affect permanent teeth still developing underneath.
Before the First Tooth
Even before teeth erupt, you can start caring for your child’s mouth:
Clean your baby’s gums after feedings with a soft, damp cloth or gauze pad.
Avoid giving sugary liquids in bottles or sippy cups between meals.
Never put your baby to bed with a bottle containing milk, juice, or sweet liquids.
When Teeth Appear
Baby teeth typically begin to break through the gums around 6 months of age. Once the first tooth appears:
Brush twice daily using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush.
Use a smear (grain-of-rice size) amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Supervise brushing to ensure all tooth surfaces are cleaned thoroughly.
Begin flossing as soon as two teeth touch.
Fluoride: A Strong Ally
Fluoride helps make tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.
Use fluoride toothpaste in small amounts once the first tooth is present.
Ask your dentist about professional fluoride treatments, such as fluoride varnish, during dental visits.
When to See a Dentist
Children should have their first dental visit by the time their first tooth appears and no later than their first birthday.
Early visits help:
Identify early signs of decay
Provide personalized guidance for caring for new teeth
Establish a positive dental experience and ongoing dental home