Your baby’s first tooth comes through around the age of six months, but it can start earlier or later than this.
It is important to protect your child’s first teeth against decay so that adult teeth have a chance to fully develop before they come through. It’s never too early to start caring for your baby’s teeth.
Visit your dental team with your child regularly for dental checks.
Looking after your teeth
This flyer gives some guidance as to when your babies teeth will appear.
Protect your baby’s teeth with a few simple rules:
- Brush teeth and gums at least twice daily; in the morning and last thing at night.
- For children under three years of age use a smear of toothpaste on the brush. For children aged three years and above, use a pea-sized amount. Use toothpaste containing at least 1,000 parts per million (ppm) fluoride.
- Parents and carers should supervise toothbrushing until children are at least 7 years of age. From 7 years of age, many children can brush their own teeth but will still require supervision, motivation and possibly assistance.
- ‘Spit, don’t rinse’ after brushing – this gives the toothpaste time to work to protect teeth.
- Keep food and drinks containing sugar to mealtimes only.
- Plain milk and tap water are the safest drinks for teeth.
- Register with a dentist and visit as advised.
- No sugar or salt (in any form) should be added to weaning foods. Find information on hidden sugars.
- Choose healthy and nutritious foods and drinks (download the Fun First Foods leaflet from our resource library or ask your health visitor).