Your child’s first tooth is a big developmental milestone, so it’s important for you to know what to expect and how to maintain your child’s teeth when they start coming in. It’s just as vital to take care of baby teeth as it is permanent teeth, even though the baby teeth eventually fall out.

When Do Baby Teeth Come In?

Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 12 months of age. However, some babies are born with teeth (natal teeth) or get their first tooth as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months.

The lower front teeth usually come in first, followed by the upper front teeth. By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth.

Caring for Baby Teeth

Even before your baby's first tooth appears, it's important to clean their gums. After feedings, wipe their gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad.

Once teeth appear, brush them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

Schedule your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting.