Children, on average, will begin to get their first teeth in at age 6 months. The first teeth to come in are usually the bottom two in front. Teeth will continue to come in well past their second birthday. There are twenty baby teeth. While your child is teething they may be fussy or have excessive drool. They also will want to chew on toys, fingers, toes, whatever they can get their hands on! Occasionally, children may develop low-grade fevers while they are teething.
I recommend for parents to establish an oral care routine for their child as soon as the first tooth appears. Twice a day clean your child’s teeth to wipe away dental plaque and to dislodge any food that may be present. As the child is first getting their teeth it may be appropriate to first use a washcloth to wipe the teeth with. As more of the tooth is visible you may graduate to an appropriately sized soft bristled toothbrush. At this time you may consider using a 'smear' of fluoridated toothpaste. Wipe your child’s mouth out after nighttime feedings. Also, please never put your child to bed with a bottle or a sippy cup that is filled with anything other than water. This may lead to severe dental decay on the child’s teeth resulting from the pooling of the liquid on the teeth as the child sleeps.
The American Academy of Pediatrics as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents to establish a dental home for their child by the age of 12 months. This not only gives the parent a place for comprehensive care of their child’s teeth and for treatment of dental emergencies but it also encourages the formation of a relationship between the parent, child, and dentist. The child’s first visit may be at a general dentist’s office or at a pediatric dental office with practitioners that have completed specialized training in the treatment of children.
