As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure that your child has a healthy and happy life. One thing you may not have considered is baby oral care. Yes, baby teeth matter!
Here are three reasons why:
- Good oral health starts with baby teeth. If your child develops a habit of brushing and flossing their teeth from an early age, it will be easier for them to maintain good oral health as they get older.
- Baby teeth help guide adult teeth into place. If baby teeth are missing or lost too early, the adult teeth may not grow in properly.
- Baby teeth are important for eating. Baby teeth help your child chew food properly, which is necessary for healthy digestion.
So as you can see, baby teeth matter – and it’s important to start taking care of them right away! For more information on how to care for your child’s baby teeth, check out our latest blog post.
Tooth Development in Babies
A baby has 20 primary teeth that are present in the jaw at birth but don’t begin to appear until the baby is between 6 months and 1 year. Most children will have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they turn 3 years old. There are baby teeth eruption charts that will show the order in which teeth break through and what ages you can expect certain teeth to appear. All children are different, but typically the first teeth to come in are in the top and bottom front of their tiny mouths.
When the teeth first come in, you can expect them to have sore or tender gums. You can gently rub your child’s gums with a clean finger, a small and cool spoon, or a wet gauze pad. Some babies love a teething ring to chew on as well. If your child still is experiencing pain and seems to be a bit cranky, consult your dentist or physician.
The Important of Baby Oral Care
Your baby’s oral care is very important to their health and development. They help with chewing, speaking, and smiling. They also hold the space in the jaws for the permanent teeth that are growing underneath the gums. If a baby loses a tooth too early, the permanent teeth can drift into that empty space and make it difficult for the other adult teeth to find room when they are ready to come in. When this happens, expect some crooked or crowded teeth.
This is why it is so important to start infants off with good oral care. It allows them to protect their teeth for decades to come.
Baby’s First Dentist Appointment
You should start taking your baby to the dentist when their first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12 months old. Your dentist can help you know what steps you should be taking at home and how to care for your child’s teeth during all of the stages of their life.
As your child continues to grow, there are many more things that you need to be aware of in terms of their oral health.
Some tips include:
- Limiting sugary drinks and snacks as much as possible, since these foods can contribute to tooth decay and cavities.
- Encouraging regular brushing and flossing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste that is safe for your child’s age.
- Making regular dental check-ups a priority and getting any teeth problems treated as early as possible to prevent complications later on.
Overall, taking good care of your baby’s teeth is essential for their long-term health and well-being. If you start early and practice consistent baby oral care at home, you can help ensure that they have healthy, strong teeth as they grow up!