Babies, Toddlers, & Teeth
First laugh, first smile, first… teeth!
Your little one is growing quickly and achieving many new milestones- one including growing teeth! You may have questions about the growth process and care for baby teeth and we are here to help. Many people wonder when they should first bring their child to the dentist.
The AAPD recommends your child see a dentist by the time they get their first tooth or by their first birthday.
We like to see them early to discuss diet, nutrition, and brushing habits with you. We also like to acclimate babies and toddlers to seeing us at a young age so that we can ensure early that their experience is positive and empowering.
Your child will grow a total of 20 teeth (10 on top, 10 on bottom) from the time they are around 6 months continuing up until about age 3. Baby teeth can easily get cavities and it is important that you help your child brush and floss until they establish good dexterity (ie: good handwriting). We always recommend limiting sugary drinks such as juices, sports drinks, soda, sweet tea, etc. to very short time frames and as infrequently as possible. We recommend only plain water for your child to sip on throughout the day.
Establishing a great oral hygiene routine early will set your child up for a lifetime of success.
Below, we have provided you with answers to the most frequently asked questions from moms and dads, while providing you with helpful links to the knowledge you may need to establish a great oral health care routine with your little one early. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, get in touch with us today.
FAQ’s-
When should my child have their first dental visit?
The AAPD recommends your child see a dentist by the time they get their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. We like to see them early to discuss diet, nutrition, and brushing habits with you. We also like to acclimate babies and toddlers to seeing us at a young age so that we can ensure early that their experience is positive and empowering.
How can I comfort and soothe my teething baby?
A cool washcloth or a clean, safe teether is the safest way to go. The most important thing to remember is to avoid using any over-the-counter numbing products, as they can put your child at risk for a life-threatening emergency. We also discourage giving your baby frozen bread or frozen, sugary foods to soothe teething pain as they could cause cavities to form early on.
Will giving my baby milk before bed affect their new teeth?
Your child’s baby teeth are very important, and any food or drink sitting on their baby teeth for prolonged periods can cause cavities. Putting your child to bed with a bottle is likely to cause “baby bottle tooth decay,” which typically shows up on top front teeth. To avoid baby bottle decay, we recommend your child finish bottles before going to bed and we encourage regular brushing.
Is fluoride safe for my little one?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that is known to prevent cavities by eliminating and protecting your teeth from bacteria while also making them stronger. The amounts of fluoride in our water, our toothpaste, and our rinses have all been proven safe when utilized propely. We recommend using a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush your toddler’s teeth, and a pea-sized amount once they are old enough to spit the toothpaste out with little help.