Your Baby's First Tooth: What to Expect and What to Do

The first tooth is a milestone that parents often anticipate for months, sometimes cheerfully, sometimes anxiously. Questions flood in: when should it appear? Why is my baby so irritable? Do I really need to brush one small tooth? And when do we see a dentist? Here is a clear, practical guide.

When to expect the first tooth

Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 10 months, though anywhere from 4 to 13 months is considered normal. The lower front teeth (central incisors) usually appear first, followed by the upper front teeth. By the time your child is three, they will typically have a full set of 20 baby teeth.

If your baby has no teeth at 12 months, mention it at their next check-up. Delayed eruption is often completely normal and genetic, but occasionally it is worth investigating.

Normal signs of teething

• •Increased drooling
• •Chewing on hands, toys, or anything reachable
• •Swollen, tender, or slightly discoloured gums
• •Irritability and disrupted sleep in the days around eruption
• •Mild gum redness where the tooth is breaking through

What teething does not cause

Teething does not cause fever, diarrhoea, or vomiting. These are common infections that happen to coincide with teething age. If your baby has a temperature above 38°C, loose stools, or is unwell, do not attribute it to teething, seek medical advice.

Safe ways to ease teething discomfort

• •A clean, cold (not frozen) teething ring. Cold is soothing; frozen is too hard and can damage gum tissue.
• •Gently rubbing the gum with a clean finger or damp gauze.
• •A chilled (not frozen) teething cloth.
• •Paracetamol or ibuprofen in appropriate child doses, if discomfort is significant, ask your paediatrician.

What to avoid

• •Teething gels containing lidocaine or benzocaine: These are not recommended for babies as they can affect swallowing and, in rare cases, cause adverse reactions.
• •Amber teething necklaces: These pose a serious choking and strangulation hazard. They are not evidence-based and should not be used.
• •Homeopathic teething tablets: Their safety and efficacy have not been established in infants.

Cleaning the first tooth

From the moment the first tooth erupts, it needs to be cleaned twice a day. Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush or a silicone finger brush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (no larger than a grain of rice). Work in small circles along the gum line. At this age, most babies find it easiest if you sit them on your lap, facing away from you, with their head resting against your chest.

When to book the first dental visit

The recommendation is to book a dental visit when the first tooth appears, or by the first birthday, whichever comes first. I know this surprises many parents. But this early visit is not about treatment. It is about establishing that the dentist's office is a calm, friendly, ordinary place. It is about getting personalised advice on your baby's specific dental development. And it is about catching any early concerns before they become problems.

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