Baby's First Tooth: Caring for Your Infant's Smile

That first tiny tooth is a big milestone. It also marks the start of a lifetime of dental care. Baby teeth may be temporary, but they matter a great deal: they help children chew, speak clearly and hold space for the permanent teeth that come later. Here's how to care for them from the very beginning.

When teeth come in

Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, usually one of the bottom front teeth, though anywhere from about 4 to 12 months is normal. By around age 3, most children have all 20 baby teeth. Every child is on their own timeline, so don't worry if your baby is a little early or late.

Easing teething discomfort

Teething can make babies fussy, drooly and eager to chew on everything. To help:

• Give your baby a clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring.
• Gently rub their gums with a clean finger.
• Wipe away drool to prevent skin irritation.
• Ask your pediatrician about pain relief if your baby is very uncomfortable.

Avoid teething gels containing benzocaine and teething necklaces or bracelets, which the FDA warns against because of safety risks. Teething can cause mild crankiness, but not high fever; call your pediatrician if your baby has a fever.

Cleaning baby's mouth

• Before teeth: Wipe the gums with a clean, damp washcloth after feedings.
• First tooth: Start brushing twice a day with a soft infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice.
• Bedtime brushing matters most, because saliva slows down during sleep.
• Lift the lip once a month to check for white or brown spots along the gumline, an early sign of decay.

Preventing early cavities

Tooth decay in young children, sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, can develop quickly. To prevent it:

• Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice. If they need a bottle to fall asleep, use plain water.
• Avoid juice for babies under one, and limit it after that.
• Introduce a cup around the first birthday.
• Don't share spoons or clean a pacifier in your mouth. Cavity-causing bacteria can pass from parent to baby through saliva.
• Take care of your own teeth. Healthy parents' mouths mean fewer bacteria passed along.

The first dental visit

Your child's first dental visit should happen by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth. It may sound early, but this short, gentle visit lets us check teeth and gums, look for early signs of decay, and give you personalized advice on brushing, fluoride, feeding and teething. Many first visits take place on a parent's lap.

Our guide to preparing your child for a first dental visit has tips for making it a positive experience. Our pediatric dentistry page explains how we care for kids as they grow.

Coverage for little ones

Many dental plans cover early visits for babies and toddlers, including Virginia Medicaid and DentaQuest. See our new patient and insurance page for plans we accept.

Welcome to the family

We love meeting our youngest patients and helping parents feel confident. To book your baby's first visit, request an appointment online or call Zen Family Dental at (703) 385-2772. Our team speaks English, Spanish, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi.