While your adorable little new-born might not have any teeth on show when they arrive, their baby teeth developed while they were still in the womb.

This is why cleaning their gums every day is so important. Regularly cleaning your baby’s gums will reduce the levels of bacteria in their mouth (including those that can cause tooth decay) and remove food and milk deposits.

This will keep their mouth and gums nice and clean, whilst gently introducing your baby to the daily dental routine.

Looking after your baby’s oral care starts the day they are born. Cleaning your baby’s gums will help to prevent bacteria build up and establish a healthy environment for your baby’s new baby teeth when they come through.

You should wipe your baby’s gums with a clean cloth and cooled boiled water, as part of their daily oral care routine and after feeding.

You can also use Brush-Baby DentalWipes™ to clean your baby’s gums, as it has added xylitol, a natural ingredient which helps reduce the number of decay and inflammation-causing bacteria. Another option is the brush-baby Chewable Toothbrush™ which will also help to clean your baby’s gums.

Baby teeth usually come through in cute little pairs – one on the right and one on the left side of the mouth. The lower two front teeth usually come through first, followed by the upper ones. Your baby will have about eight teeth by their first birthday, perfect for chomping on a birthday cake!

By the time they are 2 1/2 to 3 years old all their 20 baby teeth will have come through.

As soon as your baby’s first pearly white pops up, it’s time to shop for their first toothbrush. Even the first of your baby’s teeth needs to be cleaned, as once it has emerged bacteria and plaque will start to cling to the tooth’s surface.

Cleaning your little one’s teeth twice a day helps remove these bacteria and starts to get your baby used to the toothbrushing routine and the feeling of a nice fresh mouth. Don’t forget to give toothless gums a gentle clean too with a clean, moist, soft flannel or a DentalWipe™.

Very occasionally, a baby is born with one or more teeth or has a tooth emerge within the first few weeks of life. If your baby has an early tooth, don’t worry.

These early teeth are usually lost early on and are not usually a cause for concern unless they are loose or if they interfere with your baby’s feeding. If you have any questions it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist.