The first step toward your baby's full, bright smile can be a bit of a pain. Literally! We're talking about Teething, of course.

Teething can start any time between ages 3 and 12 months. Most babies begin teething around the age of 6 months. As primary teeth come through, your baby might become cranky, drool more, not want to eat solid foods, have sore gums or swollen gums, and chew on things to ease the pressure from the tooth pushing through the gum.

TeethFirst!  - Rhode Island’s own initiative promoting early dental visits - is pleased to announce Smilestones – an online campaign to celebrate the moments in bright smiles and raise awareness about children's oral health. Smilestones will also be hosting a photo contest, which is a picture perfect opportunity for families to show off their little ones' smiles and healthy dental habits —all for the chance to win a $50 Gift Card!

Open enrollment for health and dental coverage through HealthSource RI ends January 31, 2017. HealthSource RI is Rhode Island’s health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. Health plans and dental plans are available.  Find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

How to Enroll

There are many things you can do to prevent your child from getting cavities. We have put together a list of some of the most important steps you can take to make sure your child's teeth and gums stay healthy. Can you do them all? Yes, you can!

1) Brush and floss