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Teeth - first yearDisclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child. TeethingAfter six months, the first teeth begin to erupt into the mouth. Babies can be uncomfortable during teething. Clean teething rings which have been cooled in the fridge can help. Babies often like a piece of apple to bite on as well. Ask your pharmacist about anaesthetic teething gels also. Remember, if a baby seems unwell for more than a day, it may not be due to teething problems, so do get medical advice.
 Back to TopHow can I keep my baby’s teeth healthy?As the first teeth erupt, it is important to think about keeping them healthy. So what can be done? As soon as the teeth erupt, begin cleaning them either with a soft cloth or very soft toothbrush at bath time.
When you clean baby’s teeth, remember to lift the lip and make sure the teeth get cleaned right to the gums. Check for any marks or stains on the top front teeth. If you notice any changes, ask a school dental therapist or your family dentist to have a look.
Back to TopShould I use fluoride toothpaste for my baby?You can use a smear of fluoride toothpaste to help keep the teeth hard. Choose a mild flavour. It is recommended that regular fluoride toothpaste be used to maximize the effect of fluoride.
Back to TopI don’t live in a place with fluoride in the water. What should I do?Ask the local school dental therapist or your dentist for advice. They will tell you which fluoride to use to give your baby’s teeth the best protection.
Back to TopWhat causes decay?When foods with sugars are eaten, bacteria in the mouth make acids that dissolve teeth to form holes. The main risk for tooth decay is frequent drinking and eating foods which contain sugars. Therefore avoid giving your baby a bottle or a sipper cup with juice, cordial, or other sweet drinks to carry around or to go to sleep with. If you have to use a bottle, just make sure it has only water in it.
Back to TopWhat if I have decay – are my children at risk?If you have decay, you should make sure you get your teeth fixed because decay is contagious (catching). You can pass on the decay bacteria to your baby. Remember not to share spoons and food with your baby to avoid passing on your bacteria. Your dentist can advise you other ways to decrease the risks for your baby.
Back to TopWhen should I get my child’s teeth checked?Ideally, all children should have their first dental visit by the time they are one year old. You can ask the local dental therapist or your family dentist. The therapist or dentist can check for any developing problems and can give you good advice about ways to keep the teeth healthy.
Back to TopWhere to go for more informationHealthEd website (Ministry of Health)
This website makes available the following pamphlets:
NZDA (The New Zealand Dental Association)
The NZDA website provides information and advice to consumers. Their website has stuff for kids6.
NZDA also provides a section "Your oral health: infants and toddlers" at their Healthy Smiles website:
Websites: http://www.nzda.org.nz/pub/ and http://www.healthysmiles.org.nz/
Well Child / Tamariki Ora website
The Well Child / Tamariki Ora website offers information about babies, infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers under five years old. The site supports the Well Child / Tamariki Ora programme and schedule of Well Child / Tamariki Ora checks. See their information on teething, toothbrushing, baby bottle caries and good food, healthy teeth10. Australian websites
Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney
The website of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney provides fact sheets on:
Back to TopLinks (these are the web addresses for the numbered links in the text above) Back to TopYour notesEndorsement
This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 23/10/2008
CopyrightFact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation. © The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2010
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