Baby teeth might seem unimportant, they do end up falling out any way so why take care of them? Actually, baby teeth are extremely important to the child’s health and development.
Baby teeth help your child learn how to speak and help them chew.
Their teeth also help them mark a path for adult teeth, they hold the spot for where permanent teeth are to grow. Losing a baby tooth too early can force an adult tooth to grow into an empty space- making it difficult for other permanent teeth to find space to grow in. This can cause crowded teeth which can lead to speech and oral health difficulties.
Protecting and taking care of their baby teeth will set them up for future healthy oral care. You can do this by wiping your baby’s gums with a clean wash cloth within the first days after birth. Your baby will develop their first four teeth in the front at around 5-6 months, but they usually won’t push through the gums until a few months later, and sometimes not until 14 months!
Brushing their teeth can start as soon as the teeth appear! Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste in a small amount, smaller than the size of a pea. Brushing can occur twice a day in the morning and at night. It’s good to supervise your child while brushing to make sure they are using the right amount of toothpaste.
If your child is between 3-6 years old, they should brush their teeth thoroughly twice a day and use a pea-sized amount of their toothpaste.
It’s always important to let your child know not to swallow the toothpaste. You can start teaching them how to floss when two teeth touch, this can also be done twice daily.
Your child’s first dentist’s visit should coincide after their first tooth comes in or no later than their first birthday. The dentist will look for cavities and other oral health problems, they will also show you the proper way to clean your child’s teeth and answer any questions you may have.
A baby’s gummy smile is absolutely precious and even more cute when they get their first teeth. Know that taking care of their baby teeth now will set them up for healthy adult teeth.
Dr. Sedki and his staff take extra steps to provide patient education and work with your child one-on-one to instill the importance of good oral hygiene. We help each child maintain a healthy smile by focusing on preventative care. Serving our local community here in Commerce, MI and the surrounding areas, we can help children develop a smile that will last a lifetime. Call Sedki Dentistry today!