The start to a lifelong smile begins as early as six months after your baby is born, when you might begin to see the first tooth come in.
These first “baby” teeth, or “primary” teeth, should not be ignored. Even though the baby teeth eventually are replaced by permanent adult teeth, it’s important to care for them.
Baby teeth should remain healthy and in place until they are lost naturally, since they will help your baby chew and eventually speak, as well as help the jaw develop and save room for the permanent teeth.
Remember, too, that a healthy smile helps children feel good about themselves and how they look to others. You want your child’s smile to rock.
Dental visit before first birthday
The American Dental Association recommends every child should visit a dentist by his or her first birthday. This age 1 dental visit will allow you and your child to feel comfortable in the dental office, and the dentist will check to see if the teeth are growing properly and look for any other problems or signs of early tooth decay.
You might be surprised to know that tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. It is seven times more common than hay fever and five times more common than asthma. But there are some easy steps you can take to protect your child’s teeth: Clean your baby’s gums with a moist, soft cloth or piece of gauze. As soon as the first tooth comes in, start brushing with a little water on a soft-bristle toothbrush designed for babies.
Never put your baby to sleep with anything other than water in the bottle or sippy cup. Prolonged exposure to sugary drinks, such as juice, formula or even milk, can lead to tooth decay.
Never dip a pacifier in honey or anything sweet before giving it to your baby. Be sure to talk to your dentist about your child’s fluoride needs. Infants need fluoride to help developing teeth grow strong and to help prevent cavities.
Your child’s primary teeth (baby teeth) will start to come in about the age of 6 or 7 months. Since the gums can become sore as the teeth are coming into place, your baby may be uncomfortable and fussy. When this happens, try rubbing the gums gently with your finger, or giving your baby a cool teething ring on which to chew.
Be sure to talk with your dentist about other ways to make your child more comfortable as the primary teeth come in.
It is recommended that water, rather than fluoride toothpaste, is used until your child is 2 years old. Once your child is able to spit, he or she may be able to brush his or her teeth by using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste while you assist.
Have the child spit out the toothpaste.
Permanent teeth
Your child’s permanent teeth will start to come in between the ages of 6 and 7 and will continue to come in through the teenage years — possibly even during early adult years. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily will be important habits to adopt.
Limiting snacks and sugary foods and drinks also will go a long way toward keeping the teeth healthy and cavity free.
Of course, regular checkups with the dentist are essential.
Your dentist can spot problems, such as tooth decay, and begin treatment before they become more serious and costly to treat.
Regular checkups also allow for professional cleanings and fluoride applications that will keep the teeth strong.
Your dentist may apply dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent back teeth to further protect against decay. These chewing surfaces have deep pits and grooves in which food and plaque can build up and destroy the enamel surfaces of the teeth.
Rock your child’s smile by providing them with a well balanced diet, limited snacks, ensuring that they brush and floss, and scheduling regular dental checkups.
Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in
