Taking care of your baby's teeth

Baby teeth also help to maintain the space for the permanent teeth. Early loss of a baby tooth can reduce the space for a permanent tooth, resulting in crowding. The timing of the appearance of baby teeth can vary greatly. This diagram is a general guide to when baby teeth should appear.

Fluoride can be obtained through fluoride toothpaste, fluoridated water and fluoride supplements.

Fluoride supplements do not provide the same benefit as fluoridated water. If your water supply is not fluoridated, seek advice on your options from a dental professional.

• red, swollen gums
• irritability and restlessness
• flushed cheeks or fever
• dribbling
• finger and fist-sucking.

Mild teething problems may be eased by letting your baby chew on objects such as crusts of bread, rusks or teething rings. Rubbing your child's gums with your finger or applying a small amount of teething gel may also help to ease teething pain. Did you know...Your oral hygiene could affect the oral health of your baby!
Newborn babies do not have the bacteria (germs) in their mouth that can cause tooth decay (holes). Anyone, including the mother, can pass the bacteria that causes tooth decay on to a baby through sharing spoons or cleaning a dummy or bottle in their own mouth. It is important for parents to have good oral hygiene - brushing twice a day with a small soft head toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste - to reduce or eliminate the chance of passing bacteria to your baby.

• The best drinks for your baby are breastmilk, formula or water.
• Only put breast milk, formula or water in your baby's bottle. Hold your baby close when feeding. Do not leave your baby alone to drink the bottle.
• As soon as your baby's teeth appear, brush them with a child-sized, soft toothbrush. Introduce a small, pea-size amount of low fluoride toothpaste after your baby turns six months in non-fluoridated areas and after 18 months in fluoridated areas*.
• Ensure all family members have good oral health. - brushing twice a day with a small, soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste - to prevent the transmission of bacteria to your baby.
• If using a dummy, do not add flavouring. Never clean a dummy in your mouth, as this will transfer bacteria from your mouth to your baby.
• Try introducing a cup from about six months of age and try to stop bottle use from about 12 months of age.
• Remember, infant tooth decay is preventable. If you think your baby has infant tooth decay, or you would like additional information about preventing it, contact a dental professional.
  

*Your dental professional will be able to to advise if your local water supply is fluoridated.

This information is provided as general information only and should not be relied upon as professional or medical advice. Professional and medical advice should be sought for particular health concerns or manifestations. Best efforts have been used to develop this information which is considered correct and current in accordance with accepted best practice in Queensland as at the date of production. The State of Queensland (Queensland Health) does not accept liability to any person for the information provided in this fact sheet nor does it warrant that the information will remain correct and current. The State of Queensland (Queensland Health) does not promote, endorse or create any association with any third party by publication or use of any references or terminology in this fact sheet.