Blog Section

Caring For Your Child’s Teeth

Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. Read more to find out why and when to begin caring for your child’s teeth!

Why Do We Care About Baby Teeth?

There is a misconception that because baby teeth are replaced during childhood that they are not important. The truth is that baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. Baby teeth, also known as deciduous or “milk” teeth, are place holders for permanent, adult teeth. If they are lost too soon in development, permanent teeth will not know where to come in, and may erupt crooked or in the wrong place. This can lead to crowding permanent teeth or even teeth that never erupt because there is no room.

Many parents will opt out of caring for decay in deciduous teeth because they feel it is a waste of money when the teeth will fall out anyway. Since permanent teeth are directly below deciduous teeth, severe decay in baby teeth will damage developing permanent teeth as well. Therefore, caring for your child’s teeth should occur immediately.

When Should I Start Thinking About My Baby’s Oral Health?

The easy answer to that is, immediately. Obviously, you will not be sticking a toothbrush or using toothpaste in your baby’s toothless mouth. However, you can gently rub a soft moist gauze or pad across your baby’s gums at least twice a day. Always wipe after feedings and especially wipe before bedtime. This will wipe away harmful oral bacteria that can adhere to gums and attack incoming teeth. It is important to avoid giving your child a bottle with milk or juice in their crib, as the sugar in these products will cause decay.

As soon as you see teeth coming in, switch to a toothbrush that has soft bristles, a small head, and large handle. At first, toothpaste is not necessary, but as teeth begin to come in more, around 3 years of age, use a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

Always supervise your child during this process until they can spit without your help, around 6 years. It is recommended that the child has their first dental visit at 1 years, to discuss tooth care, teething, fluoride use, and thumb sucking with your dentist.

 

References

“Baby Teeth.” Mouth Healthy TM, www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-teeth.

“Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/caring-babies-teeth#1.

Carolyn, and Stephanie Barron. “Baby Teeth Chart: What Order Do They Come In?” Mama Natural, 3 Mar. 2017, www.mamanatural.com/baby-teeth-chart/.

Etheridge, Pat. “Baby’s teeth: What you should know.” CNN, Cable News Network, 28 May 2013, www.cnn.com/2013/05/28/health/baby-dental-health/index.html.