Children

Baby teeth: teething and brushing

The first tooth usually appears between 6 and 9 months. From then on you start brushing and take your child to the dentist, even though baby teeth will later fall out.

20Baby teeth
6–9 moFirst tooth
6–12 yrsTeeth are replaced

In brief

  • The first tooth usually appears between 6 and 9 months.
  • Start brushing as soon as you see the first tip of a tooth.
  • Take your child to the dentist when the first tooth comes through.

Baby teeth

Twenty small teeth

A full set of baby teeth has 20 teeth. The first usually comes through between 6 and 9 months; the last baby molars arrive at around 2 to 2.5 years. A few months earlier or later is normal. Baby teeth matter: children need them to chew and speak, and they keep space for the permanent teeth.

Timeline

From first tooth to new teeth

  1. 6 to 9 monthsThe first baby tooth comes through, usually a lower front tooth. Start brushing and plan a first dental visit.
  2. 2 to 2.5 yearsThe last baby molars are through; the set is complete.
  3. Around 6 yearsThe first permanent molars come through behind the baby molars, without any tooth falling out. They are easily missed when brushing.
  4. About 6 to 12 yearsBaby teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth.

Brushing

From the very first tooth

  • Start brushing as soon as you see the first tip of a tooth.
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste for toddlers (peutertandpasta). From 5 years old: ordinary fluoride toothpaste, twice a day.
  • Children cannot brush well on their own until about age 10. Until then, a parent brushes after them.

Take your child to the dental practice as soon as the first tooth comes through. Your child gets used to the practice, and you get advice on brushing and food.

Getting help

When should you see a dentist?

Make an appointment if

  • the first tooth comes through: time for the first visit
  • you see white or brown spots on the teeth
  • a baby tooth hurts or your child does not want to chew

Call your dentist straight away if

  • your child has a swollen cheek
  • your child has a fever and a painful mouth
  • a baby tooth has been knocked out or pushed in after a fall

Short of breath or unable to swallow? Call 112.

Outside office hours, call the dental emergency service (tandartsenspoeddienst) in your area. Your own dentist’s voicemail or website gives the number. Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back.

More information

Read more in Dutch

This is a short English version. The full page, with more detail and sources, is available in Dutch: Nederlandse versie.

Note: This page gives general information and does not replace advice from your own dentist or doctor.
Based on the Dutch page Melktanden on Mondenmeer, which follows the advice of the Ivoren Kruis on baby teeth and brushing young children.

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