Caring for your child’s oral health begins from the very first day of life. Although babies don’t have teeth in the first few months, proper oral hygiene is extremely important and should not be neglected. Cleaning should start right away — after breastfeeding or when the baby is awake — to remove any milk residue. The process is simple: use a sterile gauze pad moistened with saline solution, wrap it around your index finger, and gently wipe the baby’s gums and tongue. For most parents, this may be a new and unfamiliar experience, but there’s no reason to worry — oral hygiene is easily established and soon becomes routine.
The appearance or eruption of the first teeth usually begins between the 6th and 8th month, although in some babies it can start as early as the 4th month. Teething is an individual process and happens at a different pace for every child.
The incisors (the front teeth) appear first — usually the lower central incisors, often erupting as a pair. These are followed by the upper central incisors, then the lower lateral incisors. Between 13 and 19 months, the first primary molars appear, followed by the canines. The last to erupt are the second molars (the “fives”), usually between 23 and 33 months. By the age of three, most children have all 20 primary (baby) teeth.
When the first teeth erupt, cleaning can still be done with gauze at first. As the baby grows and more teeth appear, a toothbrush should be introduced — soft-bristled, small-headed, and age-appropriate. Toothpaste is usually introduced between the ages of 2 and 3, once the child learns how to spit it out.
Until about age 7, parents should brush their child’s teeth for them, and until age 10, children should brush under parental supervision.
Teething can sometimes be uncomfortable for babies. During this period, they may be more irritable, sleep less, drool more, and constantly put their hands, toys, or other objects into their mouths to “massage” their gums. Parents should ensure that only soft toys or teething rings are within reach — never hard or sharp objects. Some babies may develop a slightly elevated temperature due to irritability or bacteria introduced from objects placed in the mouth. For others, teething may pass without any noticeable symptoms — every child is different.
There are various products that can help ease teething discomfort, but it’s best to consult a dentist before using them. If symptoms are severe, or if the baby’s temperature is high or lasts for several days, you should contact your pediatrician to rule out other causes. For any concerns about oral care or teething relief products, consult your dentist.
Prevention begins even during pregnancy. Expectant mothers should visit their dentist regularly, maintain good oral hygiene, and seek advice on caring for their baby’s mouth after birth. From around age two, children should start visiting the dentist — initially just to become familiar with the office and the doctor. This early exposure helps build trust and prevents fear later on.
Dr Ana Borovčanin, DDS
