All about your baby's teeth

Your child's teeth are precious. So every mum needs a tooth care regime for her baby... And we have the perfect starter guide.

When will her first teeth come through?
Your baby's born with teeth in place in her gums, which will start coming  through at about six months, although it varies from baby to baby. Some still have no teeth at one year, but most of her teeth will be through when she’s two and a half.

Teething has no bearing on general development. Girls often teethe earlier than boys and if you were a late teether, your baby may be as well. Although they come out at different rates, her teeth will usually appear in the same pattern.

When should she first visit the dentist?
If possible, it’s a good idea to take your toddler with you whenever you go yourself; this'll let her get used to the environment and make it seem less scary.

When she's around two and half you could take her for her first check-up. Your child is entitled to free NHS dental treatment and she should have a check-up every six months.

Ask other parents or your health visitor if they can recommend a child-friendly dentist in your area: stickers and smiles'll make a big difference to your toddler’s enthusiasm for a visit to the dentist!

 

What foods are good for teeth?

The more sweet, sticky foods your child has, the more deposits form on the teeth. Try to:

* Give your child milk or cooled boiled tap water to drink between meals and well-diluted fruit juice or squash at meal times only
* Avoid baby foods with added sugar or concentrated fruit juice
* Ask your pharmacist for sugar-free medicines
* Watch out for hidden sugars in prepared foods – check the list of ingredients
* Wean your baby onto a feeder beaker at six months as drinking from a bottle increases the risk of tooth damage
* Ensure that, if your baby won’t go to sleep without a bottle, it contains plain water
* Avoid sugary snacks between meals. If she does have sugary foods, try to give them only at meal times, and clean her teeth afterwards.