What are baby teeth?
Babies are typically born with 20 baby teeth (also called primary teeth or temporary teeth). These teeth begin to emerge through the gums around 6 months of age, in a process called "teething."
Baby teeth consist of 5 main groups:
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4 central incisors
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4 lateral incisors
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4 canine teeth
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4 first molars (first molars)
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4 second molars
These teeth are distributed across the upper and lower jaws, on the left and right sides. Typically, a complete set of baby teeth appears by the age of 2–3 years, and they begin to be replaced by permanent teeth around the age of 6.
What Are Natal Teeth?
Natal teeth are teeth that appear at birth. Although rare, these teeth can interfere with breastfeeding. If they cause problems, your doctor may recommend removal, but monitoring is usually sufficient.
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
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Helping babies chew food
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Helping babies learn to talk
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Maintaining space in the jaw for permanent teeth
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Maintain overall oral health
Differences between Baby Teeth and Permanent Teeth
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Baby tooth enamel is thinner → whiter in color
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Slimmer roots → make room for permanent teeth
Signs That Your Baby Is Teething
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Red, swollen gums
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Baby is more fussy or has difficulty sleeping
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Excessive drooling
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Biting toys, fingers, or pacifiers
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Mild fever (below 38°C)
If you have a cough, rash, vomiting, or high fever, see a doctor immediately because it may not be caused by teething.
How to Relieve Teething Pain
1. Gum Massage
Wash your hands and gently massage your baby's gums to help relieve pressure and relax your baby.
2. Cold Cloth
Wet a clean washcloth, wring it out until it's damp, and chill it in the refrigerator. Let your baby chew on it under supervision.
3. Cool the Pacifier or Teether
A cold pacifier or teether can have a soothing effect on swollen gums.
4. Breast Milk or Formula Popsicles
Use BPA-free molds and freeze breast milk or formula. This is ideal for babies who have difficulty feeding due to pain.
5. Wipe off excess saliva
Keep your baby's face dry to prevent irritation from excess saliva.
6. Cold Fruit
For babies who are already on solid food, use a chilled banana, apple, or pear in the mesh feeder.
7. Extra Hugs
Sometimes all a baby needs most is a hug and a sense of security from his parents.
8. Pain reliever
If the pain is unbearable, consult a doctor to give paracetamol according to the dosage.
Avoid using teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine as they can cause swallowing difficulties.
How to Care for Baby's Milk Teeth
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Brush your teeth from the moment the first tooth appears
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Use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children's toothpaste.
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Teach children to spit from an early age
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Brush twice a day for ±2 minutes
Diet and Dental Health
✅ Keep the pacifier clean
❌ Avoid juices and sweet foods
❌ Do not add sugar
❌ Don't sleep while drinking bottle milk
When Should You See a Dentist?
At the latest, by age 1 or when the first tooth appears. Regular checkups from an early age help detect and prevent problems early.
❓FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Teeth & Supporting Foods
- When can babies start eating solid foods when their teeth are growing?
Teething isn't the only sign of food readiness, but once your baby can sit upright and is interested in food, you can start introducing solid foods, even if they haven't yet. Also read: 6-Month-Old Solid Food Recipe: Iron-Rich Superfood Chicken Liver Porridge
- What foods are suitable for teething babies?
Soft, cool, and easy-to-chew foods like chilled fruit purees, broth, or smooth-textured porridge can help soothe your baby's gums. Try this 6-Month Baby Food Recipe: Soto Bandung for Babies
- Do teething babies need special snacks?
Yes, cold snacks like frozen fruit pieces in a food feeder can help relieve gum pain and offer a healthy alternative. See more inspiration in our food journal in the Mummasphere Eat Journals.
