As a new parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your baby healthy, from their eating habits to their baby teeth. Baby teeth are important to your child’s health and development, including holding a space for permanent teeth to come in.
Take Care of Baby Teeth from the Start
One of the best things you can do for your child’s baby teeth is to start practicing good oral hygiene early. Even before your baby’s first tooth erupts, you should clear harmful bacteria from their gums with a damp, clean washcloth.
Once baby teeth start to erupt, brush their teeth twice a day with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. You can continue to brush their teeth until they are old enough to brush on their own.
Teach Healthy Habits
As your child ages, their baby teeth will help them chew food, learn to speak, and even smile. One of the most important lessons to teach your child is to brush their teeth at least two times daily.
Showing good oral care to your kids can help instill the importance as they get older. You can brush your teeth with your child once they are old enough brush their own teeth. The below video can help you explain the importance of brushing their teeth.
Baby Teeth Need the Right Toothbrush
As your child’s baby teeth start to erupt, you’ll need to ensure you use the right toothbrush. An adult toothbrush can be too harsh for your child’s baby teeth so from the time your child’s first tooth erupts until they are two years old, you should clean your child’s teeth with an infant toothbrush.
You should also make sure you get your child a new toothbrush every three to four months and allow the toothbrush to air-dry by storing it upright in an open container in between uses. Rinsing your child’s toothbrush after each use can help remove any bacteria that would otherwise linger and multiply on the toothbrush.
Baby Teeth Need the Right Toothpaste
In addition to using the right toothbrush, it is very important that you use the right toothpaste on baby teeth. The ADA (American Dental Association), AAPD (American Association of Pediatric Dentistry), and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) all agree that fluoride toothpaste is both safe and recommended for babies and toddlers.
Between the time of your child’s first baby tooth eruption and their third birthday, you should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste every morning and evening. Once your child turns three years old, it is safe for you to use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice daily. When picking out your child’s toothpaste, make sure that it contains both fluoride and the ADA’s seal of acceptance.
Don't Forget to Floss Baby Teeth
The best method for keeping teeth clean is to floss. This holds true for baby teeth too. If you skip flossing, your child could be at a greater risk of developing cavities or losing their baby teeth too early.
Start slow and set reachable goals. Flossing may be frustrating for younger kids because it can be uncomfortable and difficult to maneuver the teeth. Start with flossing easy to see and easy to reach areas. As your child grows in their confidence, start working your way to the back of the teeth.
Baby Teeth Are Sensitive to Foods
Baby teeth have a softer and thinner layer of enamel than permanent teeth. Once your child is eating solid foods, limit or avoid sugary foods and drinks that can erode the enamel and cause cavities.
When your child does eat or drinks something sugary, have them brush their teeth as soon as they’re done. Removing the extra sugar will keep the enamel from eroding and help prevent cavities.
Schedule a Dental Checkup
Your child’s baby teeth will start to erupt between four and seven months old. We recommend that you schedule a dental checkup for your child six months after the eruption of their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. At Cornerstone Dental, child prophylaxis (cleaning) is a routine appointment that can help us identify any points of concern early on.
Healthy Foods for Baby Teeth
In addition to limiting unhealthy foods, it’s also important that you keep an eye on the other side of their diet, too. You child’s baby teeth will need lots of calcium and other vitamins to ensure they are healthy.
Dairy, fruits, vegetables, meats, and water carry the essential vitamins and minerals your child’s baby teeth need to be strong. Check out this article written by the ADA about Diet and Dental Health.
Caring for Your Child's Baby Teeth
There are many potential signs that your child’s first baby tooth is about to erupt. Pulling on one ear is one of the most common signs, but other signs could include excessive crying or general crankiness.
Your baby will begin sucking on objects, like toys, and not feeding as often as they did due to the discomfort of their tooth pushing through. If you notice any of these signs, you can help sooth their gums by massaging with your finger or wet gauze, chill a spoon or teething ring they can chew on, or using an infant over the counter pain medication.
When it comes to your child’s baby teeth, starting a good, consistent oral care routine early is key. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to poor care, your child’s permanent teeth may have trouble coming through or cause complications due to over-crowding.
Are You Seeking An Experienced Martinsburg Dentist To Take Care Of Your Children’s Teeth?
If you’re searching for an experienced dentist to help protect your children’s dental and oral health please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
