What Every Parent Should Know About Their Baby’s Teeth

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Most parents don’t think much about their baby’s teeth until a little tooth actually pops up. That’s completely understandable. But the window for meaningful prevention opens earlier than most people realize, and the habits you build in that first year can set your child up for a lifetime of healthier teeth. Here’s what new parents actually need to know, from that first tiny tooth through the first birthday checkup.

Cavities are contagious. Kind of.

This surprises a lot of people. The bacteria that cause tooth decay, primarily a group called “Mutans streptococci”, can be passed from caregiver to child through saliva. Sharing a spoon, kissing your baby on the lips, or even cleaning off a pacifier with your mouth can transmit cavity-causing bacteria before your child has any teeth at all. That doesn’t mean you should panic or stop being affectionate with your baby. It just means your own oral health matters more than you might have realized. Taking care of your own teeth is one of the ways you’re already taking care of theirs.

The first dental visit: earlier than you think

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday, ideally within six months of the first tooth coming in. We know what you’re thinking. What could a dentist possibly do for a baby with one tooth?

Quite a bit, actually. That first visit isn’t about finding cavities. It’s about establishing what the AAPD calls a “dental home,” a consistent relationship with a provider who can assess your child’s development over time, identify any early risk factors, and give you guidance that’s tailored specifically to your family. It’s also a chance to ask every question you’ve been wondering about since the baby shower.

Children who start dental visits early also tend to be more comfortable in the dental chair as they get older. The unfamiliarity of the office, the sounds, the lights, none of it feels as scary when it’s been part of their world since infancy.

What you feed your baby, and how often, matters a lot

Two things make the biggest difference in your child’s cavity risk early on: the age at which added sugars are introduced, and how often they’re exposed to them. The American Heart Association recommends no added sugar for children under two. And juice, even 100% juice, shouldn’t come before 12 months.

Teeth that are bathed in liquid repeatedly over long stretches are more vulnerable to decay, which is why bottle use beyond 12 months, especially at night, is worth transitioning away from when the time is right. Think of it this way: it’s less about any one food or drink and more about how often teeth are exposed to sugars throughout the day (and night). Frequent sipping and snacking keeps teeth under constant acid exposure. Consolidating those exposures, and following up with a water rinse, can make a real difference.

Teething: what’s normal, and what to skip

Teething usually starts around six months. Most babies experience some combination of drooling, fussiness, and mild discomfort as teeth come through. Low-grade irritability is common. High fever and serious illness are not typical signs of teething. If your baby seems genuinely unwell, it’s worth a call to your pediatrician regardless of whether a tooth is on the way.

For the discomfort, chilled teething rings, gum massage, and infant-appropriate pain relievers are reasonable options.

What’s not recommended: topical gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine. The FDA has been clear on this. Benzocaine products can lead to methemoglobinemia, a serious blood condition that reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. Lidocaine carries its own risks, including seizures, severe brain injury, and heart problems. Amber teething necklaces and other teething jewelry are not recommended because they present choking and strangulation hazards.

Pacifiers and thumb sucking

Pacifier use and thumb sucking are completely normal in infants and toddlers, and most children give them up on their own. If it’s working for your family, there’s no reason to take it away in the early months. The oral effects of pacifiers and thumb sucking, like changes to tooth alignment, are generally not a concern until later in childhood. If pacifier use continues past age three, children should have a professional evaluation to catch any developing issues early and get support with habit changes if needed. In the meantime, we’re not worried, and you don’t need to be either.

Fluoride: still the best tool we have

Fluoride remains one of the most effective and well-studied cavity prevention tools available. Community water fluoridation at 0.7 parts per million, the level recommended in the U.S., has been championed by national health organizations for decades. The AAPD supports its safety and effectiveness at that level. Once teeth appear, a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) is appropriate for children under three. We may also apply topical fluoride during visits as the primary teeth continue to come in.

The first year goes fast. Start early.

Early childhood cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions in kids, and they’re largely preventable. The habits and routines you build in this first year matter, and we’d love to be part of that journey with your family.

Whether you’re getting ready to schedule your little one’s first visit or you just have questions, we’re here seven days a week. That first tooth is closer than you think. We’d love to meet it.

Ready to schedule your child’s first visit, or have questions? We’re open seven days a week.

Primary source: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Perinatal and infant oral health care. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2025:337-341.

The information presented on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on this site is solely at your own discretion. For medical emergencies or specific health concerns, consult a licensed healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care.