When to start brushing baby teeth? and other FAQs answered

Key Points

• Babies have 20 teeth that generally arrive between the ages of eight months and three years.
• It’s important to start brushing your baby’s teeth from the time the first tooth arrives to prevent the build-up of plaque.
• Some babies may have issues such as crooked teeth. Talk to your dentist if you have any concerns.

Those little baby toothy pegs are the cause of so much trouble. When you’re finally through the pain of teething, you want to do the best job possible to look after them.

That’s the thing about parenting. It certainly is a journey. You go from wondering if pregnant women can eat bacon and you’re desperate for ideas on how to get better sleep while pregnant. Then you prepare your birth plan, pack your baby hospital bag and that’s when the adventure really begins.

From that moment, you step into this whole new world. And it’s a world with lots of questions. Why do newborns have hiccups so often? What are the foods to avoid when breastfeeding? Why do babies cry in their sleep? How often do you need to bathe kids? What’s the best nap length and how do I actually get my baby to sleep?

If questions about baby teeth like “when to start brushing baby teeth?” are at the top of your list, Oral Health Therapist, Obie Chan and Dental Hygienist, Emma are here to help. Here are their expert answers to all of your baby teeth FAQ.

Baby teeth 101

The three most common questions that most parents have about baby teeth basics are:

1. How many baby teeth do children get? 

In total there are 20 baby teeth. 10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw. There are four types of teeth – incisors, canines, premolars and molars. They each play a different role in the mouth when helping children eat their food. 

2. How long does it take for baby teeth to grow?

It starts in the womb. By the time a baby is born, they have a full set of 20 teeth waiting to break through the gums when the time comes. The first tooth will generally arrive at about 8 months of age. By the age of three years, a child should have all 20 baby teeth. Of course, these ages are just a guide. Every baby is different.

3. When do children lose their baby teeth? 

Emma says that this generally starts at the age of around six years. But she adds, “As with the timing of when baby teeth arrive, there may also be some variation with when they start to lose their teeth.” 

If you’re wondering how to dispose of baby teeth, that’s completely up to you. You might choose to keep them or discard them in the bin!

When to start brushing baby teeth

The next big thing many parents want to know is when and how to brush baby teeth. 

When do you start brushing baby teeth? According to Emma, as soon as their first tooth appears. 

“As soon as your child has a tooth, plaque will start building up on the surface of the tooth. This plaque could lead to decay, so it has to be removed,” she says.

If you’re curious about how to brush baby teeth, you might be surprised by the advice Emma shares.

“You actually don’t have to strictly brush baby teeth. Before your baby moves to solid food, using a damp cloth to wipe away plaque is just as effective. If your baby doesn’t like getting their teeth brushed, this is also generally more tolerable,” she explains.

If your baby doesn’t mind the toothbrush, Emma recommends using a toothbrush or at least familiarising them with the tooth brushing process.

As for the best toothpaste for baby teeth, Emma says it’s important you don’t use regular adult toothpaste on children under six years of age (unless you have been advised by a trained health professional).

Currently, the Australian fluoride use guidelines say that toothpaste should not be used in children aged 17 months or younger. The guidelines also say that children aged from 18 months to five years should use low fluoride toothpaste.

“When you transition to using a toothpaste, it should be a children's toothpaste,” Emma says. “There are many different options available with flavours that appeal to kids.”

Baby teeth issues

If you’re not a dentist, how do you know what’s normal with baby teeth and what’s not? Here are Emma and Obie’s answers to some common questions parents have about potential baby teeth issues:

Can baby teeth be crooked?

“Yes,” says Emma, “Crooked baby teeth may be an indication of how the baby’s adult teeth are going to come through.”

Obie says that early intervention is ideal in these situations. “Your child’s oral health professional may keep an eye on how the adult teeth are coming through and offer solutions to correct them.”

How do you stop your baby from grinding their teeth?

If your baby is grinding their teeth, Obie says the most important thing is to understand why. Knowing why may help guide you to the solution of how to stop the teeth grinding.

“For little kids, grinding could be caused by many things such as a blocked nose, enlarged tonsils or if their bite isn’t aligning properly. Fixing the underlying issue is often the solution to the teeth grinding problem,” he explains.

Should you worry if your baby’s teeth are coming in the wrong order?

Obie says teeth generally have a predictable order of appearance. If your baby’s teeth are coming in the wrong order, it may be completely normal. But, if you have any concerns, talk to your dentist if you are worried. 

Is thumb sucking bad for teeth?

Emma says that while thumb or finger sucking may be soothing for a baby, it could cause an overbite.

“When a child sucks on their thumb, it puts pressure on the front teeth. This may cause an overbite. We generally encourage parents to wean their children off thumb sucking by around the age of three,” she says. 

Fuss-free dentist visits

It’s all well and good to encourage you to take your baby to the dentist. But what if your child is scared? 

Emma says the trick is to make it a fun experience, particularly if you’re taking your child for the first time.

“Sometimes it helps to put your child on your lap for the visit. Often kids are more open to the dentist having a look inside their mouth if they’re sitting on mum’s lap. It’s just about taking little steps to make them feel comfortable,” she says.

Obie also suggests bringing your kids in with you when you have your own checkups and cleans. This may help to normalise the experience for your child. 

Caring for chompers

From when to start brushing baby teeth to the first tooth fairy visit, helping your child develop good oral care habits could serve them well for life. 

See a dentist if you’re worried about your child’s teeth – and remember to get brushing!

Related:

• Your oral care questions answered
• What foods are best for toddlers?
• Sleep for women - how to get better sleep when juggling kids, work and cycles

Obie is a senior oral health therapist with a passion for children’s dentistry, while Emma’s skills lie in education as a Dental Hygienist. Both are part of Dr Reuben Sim’s practice. 

Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board February 2022.