There’s nothing like the first time your baby smiles at you. Just staring at that sweet toothless grin makes everything else in the world melt into the background.

But some babies tend to do a little more crying then smiling when it’s time for their teeth to come in. The pain and discomfort of teething can turn even the soundest sleepers into a cranky, wakeful little people.

Hang in there -- you’ll be on the receiving end of a bonafide toothy grin in no time! In the meanwhile, here are some pointers to help you care for those precious lil’ chompers:

6 months - 1 year

• Before your baby begins solids, use a soft damp washcloth to gently wipe the teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue to remove residual milk or food once a day.
• At about 9 months, pick up one of the many baby oral hygiene kits on the market. They contain baby toothpastes that are safe if a little is swallowed, and a brush that resembles a thimble with very soft plastic bristles.
• After your child begins solids, gently brush their teeth twice a day.
• If your baby likes to “suck themselves to sleep,” avoid putting them to bed with a bottle of milk or juice -- it promotes rampant tooth decay. Substitute the milk or juice with water.
• There are plenty of remedies on the market for teething pain -- from straight up pain relief gels to homeopathic pills to good ol’ Tylenol. Ask your pediatrician about the best solution for your child.

1 - 2 years

• Baby toothpaste is fine, but fluoride “adult style” toothpaste should be avoided until your child is at least 18 months old.
• By age 2, your child should start learning to brush their own teeth. Get a small soft-bristle toothbrush, and use only a pea-size drop of toothpaste that is safe for babies and toddlers.
• You can start flossing when the first and second molars erupt, sometime between 12 and 24 months.  
• Changes in the color or texture of the tooth surface call for a trip to the pediatric dentist. 
• Kids don’t really master brushing their teeth until they get to elementary school. Until then, keep them from swallowing too much fluoride by helping them along with the process.