Your Baby's Teeth

When babies are born almost all of their teeth are already formed and remain hidden in the gums.  They begin to cut through when the baby is about 6 months but this can be earlier or later in some children.  All children develop at their own pace.

The first to come through tend to be the bottom two front teeth.  Then come the top four front teeth and the rest of the mouth then gradually fills up.  Most children have all their baby teeth by the age of three.

Do not be alarmed if the teeth have spaces between them.  As there is a difference in the size of the baby and adult teeth, there may be gaps.  The spaces make it easier to brush the teeth too.

Although baby teeth eventually fall out, they are important because:

• They help the child eat and chew
• They help the child speak correctly
• They prepare for the adult teeth
• They guide the adult teeth into position

Caring for your baby's teeth:-

• Brush with a soft baby tooth brush twice a day
• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste specially designed for babies
• Start by brushing the teeth yourself and then allow the child the chance to brush on their own; get into the habit of brushing twice a day