Baby Teeth are Important
Babies can get cavities as soon as the first teeth appear. Parents should lift the lip regularly to check baby's teeth for early signs of tooth decay.
Identify decay in baby teeth
- Healthy mouth and gums
- Very early signs of decay
It can be reversed, if found early - Brown spots or decay spots across the gum line
Requires dental treatment - Advanced decay and infection
Urgent treatment needed
Original concept and graphics produced by South Australian Dental Service.
Prevent decay: keep your baby's teeth healthy
- Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is painted on baby teeth to reduce cavities in children under the age of five. Fluoride varnish is safe and can be used on babies, as early as the first tooth
- Teeth should be brushed by an adult as soon as the first tooth appears, using a rice grain sized portion of fluoride toothpaste twice daily
- Lift the lip once a month to look for early signs of tooth decay
- Babies do not need juice. Constant sipping of sugary drinks from a bottle or sippy cup can cause cavities. Bedtime bottles should only contain water
- Introduce an open cup at six months and offer all drinks in an open cup by 12 months
- Visit the dentist or dental professional by age one or as soon as the first tooth appears
Primary baby teeth expectancy
| Tooth | Comes In | Falls Out | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Central Incisor | 7 - 12 months | 6 - 8 years | |
| Upper Lateral Incisor | 9 - 13 months | 7 - 8 years | |
| Upper Canine | 16 - 22 months | 10 - 12 years | |
| Upper First Molar | 13 - 19 months | 9 - 11 years | |
| Upper Second Molar | 25 - 33 months | 10 - 12 years | |
| Lower Second Molar | 20 - 30 months | 10 - 12 years | |
| Lower First Molar | 12 - 18 months | 9 - 11 years | |
| Lower Canine | 16 - 23 months | 9 - 12 years | |
| Lower Lateral Incisor | 7 - 16 months | 7 - 8 years | |
| Lower Central Incisor | 6 - 10 months | 6 - 8 years |
For more information, call the Dental Health Line at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7399.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
