A baby that’s teething is usually very restless and irritated from the pain that they’re feeling. Most babies develop teeth between 6 and 12 months of age and it’s important for parents to understand the difference between baby teeth and adult teeth.
We created a list of tips and general knowledge that will help care for baby teeth so your child’s teeth can grow and develop with optimal health.
What Do You Need to Know About Baby Teeth and Dental Hygiene
- Similar to adult teeth, baby teeth need fluoride. To start, add fluoride to your child’s diet at 6 months of age. Fluoride helps prevent any tooth decay by hardening the enamel of the teeth. Fluoride is added to most tap water and giving your baby even a few ounces a day will have a positive effect.
- Babies will communicate with you when their teeth hurt. Try massaging sore gums, or providing something cold can help soothe the pain of your baby’s teeth. On the occasional rough night, you can use acetaminophen to help with the pain.
- 40% of children have cavities in their baby teeth. Cleaning your babies teeth and gums will help prevent this.
- Once you notice a tooth, try brushing it twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- It’s important to know that baby teeth can get stuck. Baby teeth can fuse to the surrounding base, causing the tooth to sink into the nearby gum tissue. This is called ankylosis and can happen to adults as well, but it is 10 times more common in baby teeth. This condition is not always obvious until children fail to lose their baby teeth.
- Sometimes healthy baby teeth can grow in blue. If a healthy baby has teeth grow in that’s blue within the first 6 months, know that this is normal! Once a tooth falls out, the adult tooth that takes its place should be white.
- Around 15% of children suck their thumbs past the age of 5. Dentists explain that this habit can distort the shape of the jaw as well as cause permanent damage to the teeth.
- Make your baby’s first dentist appointment when the first baby tooth grows in. All children should see a pediatric dentist and establish a dentist by the age of one. A pediatric dentist will be able to make sure all teeth are developing normally and that there are no dental problems.
The Dentist Is One Call Away
If your baby is teething and you’re looking to establish long-term dental care, South Springs Dental Group is now accepting new patients! We specialize in children’s dentistry and offer block scheduling so it’s easier to bring the whole family in! Schedule your appointment today.