First teeth and your baby's oral care - PDF checklist
Babies get their first teeth at different times. This checklist covers care and preparing to speak with a professional during the first year. It does not diagnose the cause of pain or other symptoms, or decide on treatment.
The first tooth starts regular cleaning
A short, calm routine is easier to repeat than trying to do everything perfectly. The adult caring for the baby cleans their teeth. Use a small, soft brush and gentle movements. If your baby resists or care is painful, ask the dentist to demonstrate an approach that suits you.
Choose toothpaste following advice for your baby
Recommendations on when to start fluoride toothpaste differ between countries. Agree the specific product, fluoride content and amount with the dentist. Do not increase the amount yourself. Fluoride products taken by mouth are not a substitute for brushing; any use needs an individual recommendation.
A teether does not need to be icy
Always check the teether's instructions, cleanliness and condition. A frozen object can injure the gums, and a cord or jewellery around the neck poses a strangulation risk. Do not put random small objects in your baby's mouth. If pain persists, ask what to do rather than choosing a gel from an advertisement.
Not every symptom is teething
Drooling and wanting to bite do not explain every change in a baby's behaviour. Fever, diarrhoea, markedly poorer feeding or worrying drowsiness need assessment appropriate to the situation. Do not wait for a tooth to appear if your baby is ill. Contact a dentist if you suspect injury or tooth decay.
Preparation checklist
Build a gentle routine
- Prepare a small soft-bristled toothbrush designed for babies; keep it clean and in good condition.
- From the first tooth, gently brush your baby's teeth twice a day, including before bedtime.
- Agree with the dentist which toothpaste, fluoride content and amount suit your baby's age and local recommendations.
- Keep toothpaste and other products out of your baby's reach; do not let them suck or eat toothpaste from the tube.
Check ways to ease discomfort
- If you use a teether, choose one suitable for your baby's age, check for damage and supervise its use according to the instructions.
- Cool the teether only if and as the manufacturer allows; do not put it in the freezer.
- Do not use teething necklaces or other teething jewellery, or tie a teether around your baby's neck.
- Discuss medicines and gum products with a doctor or pharmacist; do not use benzocaine or oral viscous lidocaine solution for teething pain.
Combine daily care with professional support
- Arrange the first dental visit during the first year; ask about the timing as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Do not add sugar to your baby's food or drinks, or sweet substances to a dummy or teether.
- Do not automatically attribute fever, diarrhoea, markedly poorer feeding or feeling unwell to teething; get medical advice.
- Note changes you notice in the mouth and questions about cleaning; discuss pain, injury or suspected tooth decay with the dentist.
Questions to discuss with a professional
- Which toothpaste, fluoride content and amount should we use for our baby's age and local recommendations?
- How can we gently clean our baby's teeth, and when should we arrange a check-up?
- Which symptoms need a doctor, and which need a dentist?
Frequently asked questions
Does a tooth appearing later mean something is wrong?
The timing of teething varies. This checklist does not assess development. If a lack of teeth or other changes worry you, discuss them with a dentist or doctor.
Why does the checklist not give one toothpaste for every country?
Local fluoride recommendations for very young children differ. Ask the dentist to choose a product and amount for your situation; do not automatically apply advice from another country.
Can a fever be treated as normal teething?
Do not assume teething explains fever or other signs of illness. Get medical advice appropriate to your baby's age and condition. Emergency symptoms require local emergency help.
How to use this checklist
Tick the points you have discussed or prepared and add your own arrangements. Ticking a box does not confirm safety, health status or completion of a medical procedure. Revisit the checklist as your family's needs change.
Sources and updates
- NHS Best Start in Life - How to take care of your baby or toddler’s teeth
- HSE Ireland - Looking after your child’s teeth
- HSE Ireland - Your baby and teething
- US Food and Drug Administration - Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children
- Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia / pacjent.gov.pl - Jak dbać o zęby mleczne
- NHS - When to get urgent medical help for babies and children under 5