Early Dental Care
Teething
A baby's first tooth typically erupts between 6 to 12 months of age. Some of the symptoms consistent with teething can be irritability, sore and tender gums, excessive saliva production, diarreha, and low- grade fever. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings may work well for most patients. It is important to take care of baby teeth from the time they erupt in the mouth. They need to be brushed at least twice a day every day with an age -appropriate soft bristle brush. Any children’s toothpaste would be acceptable. There are non-fluoridated options available if ingestion is a concern. Use about a quarter size of a green pea! And smear it on the tooth brush. Very young children do not know how to spit. Wipe the excess of toothpaste with a wet rag or gauze.
Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented by not letting children to go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup that contains milk or juice. The sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about 20 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child's teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids and eventually making a hole.
Children need to go to bed with cleaned, brushed teeth and only water on the sippy cup or bottle.
Infant's New Teeth
Primary (baby) teeth play a very important role . Primary teeth are needed in order to chew food properly so that is easier to swallow it. Teeth are also necessary for the development of appropriate speech. They also hold the space for the permanent teeth that are not yet ready to come in the mouth. Establishing good oral habits during the primary dentition determines how your child cares for the permanent teeth once the come in the mouth. Children and adults are equally susceptible to plaque and gum problems—hence, the need for regular care and dental check-ups.
Infant Tooth Eruption
A child's teeth actually start forming before birth. The first primary teeth come in to the mouth at about 6 months of age. There are 20 primary teeth and they typically erupt by age 3. Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around late adolescence. There are a total of 32 permanent including the third molars (wisdom teeth).
A Child's First Dental Visit
A child's first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her first birthday. During the initial visit we will review the medical history, conduct a thorough examination, evaluate the growth and development of the dentition, clean the teeth that are present. We will also review how to take care of your infant’s teeth, how to clean them at home (brushing techniques, frequency and positioning). We will review habits, and dietary guidelines. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with the dental team. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. We will be more than happy to answer all of your questions!
Good Diet and Healthy Teeth
The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. Avoid snacks and drinks that have a high content of sugar! Sugar is the main ingredient bacteria in the mouth process and convert into an acid that softens the enamel and causes caries. Avoid sticky foods that are also sugary! Sticky, sugary food allow the sugar to be in contact with the teeth longer, increasing the amount of caries. The more times in a day that teeth are exposed to sugary food or drinks, the more risk of caries are present.