Even before the first tooth, gently wiping your baby's gums with a clean damp cloth after feeds removes milk residue and gets them used to mouth care.
The first tooth typically arrives between 6 and 12 months. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth — whichever comes first.
Milestones
- 0–6 mo: gum wiping after feeds
- 6–10 mo: first tooth (lower centrals)
- By 12 mo: first dental visit
Key risks at this stage
- Bottle at bedtime → early childhood caries
- Falls / trauma during learning-to-walk phase
- Frenulum restrictions affecting feeding
Parent tips that actually work
- Wipe gums after every feed — even before teeth
- Start rice-grain fluoride toothpaste from tooth #1
- Never let baby sleep with a bottle of milk or juice
- First dental visit by first birthday
Red flags — see a dentist
- • No teeth by 15 months
- • Difficulty latching or losing weight
- • White chalky patches on new teeth