Treat baby teeth right from the very beginning

Your baby’s been drooling constantly, and gnawing on everything in sight, but there’s still no sign of a tooth! Teething can be a difficult time for babies -- and for their parents, too!

Here’s a rough idea of when you can expect your baby’s teeth to erupt:

5-8 months: The two bottom front teeth (central incisors)

8-10 months: The four upper incisors

10-16 months: Lower lateral incisors, plus the first baby molars

16-22 months: The “eye teeth” or “canines” (cuspids)

24-42 months (two years to three-and-a-half years): All 20 baby teeth have finished arriving

Before your baby has any teeth, make sure to wipe their gums with a damp washcloth to keep them clean.

After that first tooth erupts, it’s time to start using a baby-sized toothbrush with nice soft bristles. Brush their tooth -- or teeth -- twice a day, using a pea-sized amount of baby-safe (fluoride-free) toothpaste. It’s important that you use this kind of toothpaste, because children under two should not use products containing fluoride.

By brushing your baby’s teeth from the very beginning, you’re helping them form healthy oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Be sure to ask us if you have any questions about your baby’s teeth!