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Your baby’s teeth started to develop before they were born.
Your dentist will begin your child’s first appointment by getting to know you and your little one a little better. They may ask a few basic questions about your child’s oral health, such as when their first teeth came in and their current oral care routine. This information will allow your doctor to provide more specialized care.
Next, your child’s dentist will “count” your infant’s teeth and examine their mouths, looking for any potential signs of developmental issues or decay. This will provide them with insights on how your child’s mouth is developing as they grow.
Your dentist will also examine your child’s gums. While gum disease is rare in infants, inflammation and irritation can still occur, so it’s important to address these issues as soon as possible. Once the exam is finished, your dentist will discuss with you your child’s oral health and offer advice on how to keep their teeth healthy.
Even before your child gets their first tooth, it’s important to clean their gums between feedings. You can simply wipe their gums with a clean cloth to remove any remaining milk or formula. Once your child’s first teeth come in, you can switch to using a soft-bristled infant toothbrush to clean their gums along with any budding teeth.
When your child’s teeth start to come in, they can experience a lot of discomfort. There are a few treatments that can help, such as teething rings. Teething rings allow your child to apply pressure to their gums through chewing, which reduces their discomfort. Chilling a teething ring can also help with pain. Other methods include cooling a spoon and placing it on the gums near the teeth, or giving your child a clean, cold wet cloth to chew on. Consult with your pediatrician or dentist for further treatments.
Children are usually ready to be weaned off bottles and use cups when they can sit up by themselves. Infants can start trying to use a cup as early as 6 months, though it’s more common to wean children and switch to cups between the ages of 12-18 months. Weaning off bottles and switching to solid foods is essential for your child’s oral health and overall health.
When your child’s first tooth comes in, you should begin brushing their mouth using a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and water. Choose a baby toothbrush with a large handle and small tip. It’s recommended that you only use water until about the age of 2. At that age, you can use a rice-grain-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. By the age of 3, you can begin to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and ask your child to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it.
Regular dental appointments are essential for keeping your child’s teeth healthy and strong. Your child should see a dentist every six months as soon as they turn 1 year old, or whenever they get their first tooth. Seeing your pediatric dentist regularly will help you avoid common oral health issues throughout your child’s infancy and toddlerhood, and as they grow older. It will also give you peace of mind, since you’ll know their budding teeth will remain healthy and strong.
71% of infant tooth decay cases are caused by transmission from the mother.
Teething begins around 6 months of age and continues until around ages 2 or 3.
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