Buying guide
First teeth – the brush, the toothpaste and teething
When the first tooth appears, which brush and how much toothpaste to use, what helps with teething and what to avoid – from amber necklaces to numbing gels.
In short
- Brushing starts with the first tooth, twice a day, with a small, soft brush.
- Fluoride toothpaste, the size of a grain of rice until age 3. The child does not rinse afterwards, just spits out as much as they can.
- For teething, a teething ring chilled in the fridge and a clean finger on the gum help.
- Avoid amber necklaces and numbing gum gels unless a doctor says so.
The first tooth is an event, but it does not call for big purchases. A soft brush, a suitable toothpaste and, for the hard days, a teething ring. The rest is patience.
When the teeth come in
Usually between 4 and 10 months, most often around 6 months. The first ones are usually the bottom front teeth. Some children go through teething without you noticing; others are fussy, dribble a lot and want to chew everything.
High fever, diarrhoea or feeling unwell do not come from teeth. If they appear, ask the doctor.
The brush and the toothpaste
| What | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Brush | Small head, soft bristles, a thick handle for you |
| Toothpaste | With fluoride, for children |
| Amount | The size of a grain of rice until age 3 |
| How often | Twice a day, the last time in the evening, after the last meal |
- Before the first tooth you can wipe the gums with a damp gauze pad after meals, if you want, but it is not necessary.
- From the first tooth, brush twice a day. The child lies down or sits in your arms, with their head supported.
- Do not rinse with water after brushing; just let them spit out as much as they can.
- Change the brush every 3 months or when the bristles splay.
Silicone finger brushes are useful at the start, but a small brush cleans better.
Teething: what helps
- A teething ring chilled in the fridge, not in the freezer. One made in a single piece, with no liquid inside.
- Your clean finger on the gum, with gentle pressure.
- A clean, damp, chilled towel, to chew on.
- Cuddles and patience. The hard days pass.
Buy teething rings new, not second-hand. See toys for the first year.
The first visit to the dentist
Many recommendations say the first visit should happen with the first tooth or by the age of one. Ask your family doctor or paediatrician when it is right for your child. See how to choose a doctor for your baby.
Our recommendation
A soft brush with a small head and a fluoride toothpaste, the size of a grain of rice, twice a day from the first tooth. For teething, a ring chilled in the fridge, bought new. No necklaces and no gels, unless the doctor recommends them.
Frequently asked questions
When does the first tooth appear?
Usually between 4 and 10 months, most often around 6 months, but some children get their first tooth earlier or only after a year. The order and pace differ from one child to another. If no tooth has appeared by 12–18 months, ask the doctor.
What toothpaste should I use for my baby?
A fluoride toothpaste, in an amount the size of a grain of rice until the age of 3 and the size of a pea after that. The child does not rinse their mouth with water after brushing, so the fluoride stays on the teeth. The dentist or paediatrician can tell you the right concentration.
Are amber necklaces safe for teething?
No. There is no evidence that they help, and they carry a risk of strangulation and of choking on the beads. Health authorities and paediatricians recommend not using them.
Think it could help someone else?
Send the guide to your partner or to a friend who is expecting a baby.