Things Parents Should Know About Baby Teeth Care

The eruption of your baby’s first tooth is always exciting and so are the weeks and months that follow, as more of their teeth erupt. Looking after these short-lived primary teeth is important to pave the way for good oral health later in life.

In this article, our team at McConnell Dental Care in Stansbury Park, Utah, shares important guidelines for parents on the proper care of their baby’s teeth.

What You Should Know About Baby Teeth Care

Teeth Eruption

Teething usually begins when the baby is between 6 and 12 months of age. The first to emerge are the bottom front teeth, namely the incisors, one after the other. Then come the top two. The back teeth erupt last. 

By the time the child is two or three, all of the 20 baby teeth should have erupted. Parents should maintain a record of the eruptions as they happen.

Pain

The discomfort of swollen and tender gums during teething can make the baby cranky. This pain can be eased by pressing a cold, clean washcloth on the gums, or giving the child cold teething rings to bite on. Infant ibuprofen can also be safely used for severe discomfort.

Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene needs to begin even before teething happens. The infant’s gums should be gently wiped using a clean washcloth after feedings and before bedtime. 

Toddlers’ teeth should be brushed by an adult with a soft brush, using a smear of toothpaste. For children above 3 years old, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste will suffice. The child should also be taught to spit after brushing.

Importance of Baby Teeth

Although temporary, baby teeth have an important role to play. It is with these primary teeth that the child learns to chew and speak and they also act as space holders for permanent teeth. 

Baby teeth start to fall out between the ages of 6 and 7 in almost the same order in which they erupted.

Below are some of the things to keep in mind when dealing with baby teeth:

• The first dental checkup must be scheduled before the baby turns one and every six months after that.
• Avoid giving the baby sugary fruit juices and restrict their intake of candy.
• Sucking on a thumb or finger beyond the age of 5 needs to be discouraged as this can result in buck teeth or an altered bite.

To learn more about how to take care of baby teeth, contact McConnell Dental Care at (435) 249-0482 or visit us at 263 Country Club Dr #102, Stansbury Park, UT 84074.