A baby’s first tooth usually appears around 6 months of age, most often a lower front tooth, although anything between about 4 and 12 months is common. The other baby teeth follow over the next two years, until all 20 are in place by around age 3. Clean the first tooth twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste and book the first dental visit by the first birthday.
When does the first tooth appear?
The first tooth most commonly appears between 6 and 10 months, with many babies getting it around 6 months. Some babies get a first tooth as early as 4 months, while others have none until after their first birthday. Both can be normal. Timing often runs in families.
Very rarely, a baby is born with a tooth (a natal tooth) or one appears in the first month. A dentist should check it, especially if it is loose or makes breastfeeding painful.
In what order do baby teeth come in?
| Teeth | Usual age of appearance |
|---|---|
| Lower central incisors | 6 to 10 months |
| Upper central incisors | 8 to 12 months |
| Upper and lower lateral incisors | 9 to 16 months |
| First molars | 13 to 19 months |
| Canines | 16 to 23 months |
| Second molars | 23 to 33 months |
These ranges are approximate. By around age 3, most children have all 20 baby teeth. The order can vary slightly without any problem.
Signs that the first tooth is coming
- More drooling than usual
- Chewing on fingers, toys or anything within reach
- Red, slightly swollen gums
- Irritability or disturbed sleep for a few days
Teething does not cause high fever, significant diarrhoea or illness; if your baby has these symptoms, see a doctor. Our article on teething in babies explains what really helps and what to avoid.
How to clean your baby’s first tooth
- Start cleaning as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Use a soft baby toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000 ppm), the size of a grain of rice.
- Brush twice a day, including just before bed, gently along the gum line.
- Before the teeth appear, you can wipe the gums with a clean damp cloth after feeds, to build the habit.
- Do not rinse after brushing; just wipe away excess foam.
Our guide to preventing tooth decay in children gives more practical tips for the first years.
Protecting the first teeth from decay
- Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk, formula or juice
- Do not add sugar or honey to bottles or dummies
- From around 6 months, introduce a cup and offer water between meals
- Limit sweet snacks and drinks, especially between meals
- Avoid sharing spoons or cleaning a dummy in your mouth, to limit the transfer of decay bacteria
Early childhood decay can progress quickly on new teeth, so prevention from the very first tooth matters.
When should your baby first see a dentist?
The first dental visit is recommended when the first tooth appears, or by the first birthday at the latest. It is a short, friendly visit: the dentist looks at the teeth and gums, checks for early signs of decay and gives advice on cleaning, feeding, fluoride and habits. Our article on your child’s first dental visit explains what to expect.
Children’s dentistry at Ajam Dental Clinic, Tripoli
At Ajam Dental Clinic, Fouad Chehab Boulevard, Al-Makateb Building, 1st floor, Tripoli, Dr. Soumaya Ajam, who holds a university diploma in Paediatric Dentistry, sees babies and children from the first tooth onwards and gives parents practical, reassuring advice. Learn more about our children’s dentistry and contact us by WhatsApp or phone to book your baby’s first visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal if my baby has no teeth at 12 months?
It can be. Some healthy babies get their first tooth after their first birthday, and late teething often runs in families. If there is still no tooth by around 15 to 18 months, or if you have other concerns about development, it is worth asking your dentist or paediatrician to check.
Should I use fluoride toothpaste on my baby's first tooth?
Yes. Major dental associations recommend fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth, in a smear the size of a grain of rice for children under 3. This tiny amount protects against decay while keeping the amount swallowed very low.
Can a baby's first tooth come in at the top?
Usually the lower front teeth appear first, but sometimes an upper tooth comes first. This variation is normal and not a cause for concern as long as the teeth continue to appear over the following months.
Does my baby's first tooth need a dentist if it looks discoloured?
Yes. White chalky spots, brown marks or a grey tooth can be signs of early decay, a developmental defect or an injury. Early decay can sometimes be stopped with fluoride and better cleaning, so it is worth having it checked promptly.
My baby fell and hit the first tooth. What should I do?
Comfort your baby, gently clean the area and check for bleeding, a loose tooth or a pushed-in tooth. Contact the dentist the same day, even if it looks minor. Never try to put a knocked-out baby tooth back in. See our article on knocked-out or broken children's teeth for first-aid steps.
Have a question about your teeth?
Send a WhatsApp message to Dr. Abdel Rahman Ajam or Dr. Soumaya Ajam, or call the clinic to book a consultation.
This article provides general information for patients. It does not replace an examination by a dentist, who can advise you on your own situation.
