Although baby teeth will eventually fall off and be replaced with adult teeth, they are very important in maintaining your child’s oral health as they grow and develop. This is why baby teeth should be kept healthy.
Keeping the baby teeth in good health starts when your child consumes milk until all teeth are replaced with permanents. In between this, you will encounter teething wherein your child will develop symptoms signalling teeth are ready to come out.
To help you learn more about infant dental care and the process of teething, we have compiled ten important facts that every parent should know.
Baby teeth provide space for adult teeth
The main role of baby teeth is to hold space for the incoming permanent teeth. At a certain age, the permanent tooth will erupt and slowly move into the position of the baby tooth. Then, it will naturally fall off.
If the baby tooth is not kept healthy until the replacement is ready to come out, several problems may occur. Early extraction of a baby tooth may result in the delay of the growth of the replacement tooth. This will increase the chance of teeth crowding when your child is older.
Aside from holding space, the milk teeth also serve other functions, such as:
- Forms the shape of the face
- Improves eating habits to boost the health
- Enhances the smile
Use gauze to clean your baby’s gums
Start cleaning your child’s mouth as soon as they consume milk. This will help keep the mouth free of harmful bacteria that may cause gum issues. Also, this stimulates the gums for a sensory feel and encourages the baby teeth to grow.
To do this, thoroughly wash your hands first with water and soap. Then, wrap a clean gauze around both index fingers. Gently massage along the upper and lower gum pads at once to clean them properly.
Most babies have their first tooth at six months
Small white bumps will appear on the lower front teeth at six months of age. This will signal the start of the emergence of the baby teeth. If this happens earlier or later for your child, do not worry. Sometimes, it can happen in advance or be delayed. If you are concerned, please book an appointment with our friendly team at Sierra Dental so we can take a closer look.
Teething symptoms
Around four months of age, teething symptoms may already begin. At this time, the baby teeth are just about ready to come out. A teething baby is likely to experience the following:
- Fussiness
- Fever
- Drooling
- Soreness of the gums
- Tendency to chew on random objects
However, if your child’s temperature spikes too high, it may be better to call your physician, as this may signal other concerns aside from teething.
Massage sore gums, apply something cold
During teething, there are several things you can do to keep your child’s fussiness at bay. Use clean gauze to rub against the teething area. The gentle pressure will provide soothing relief to improve your child’s teething experience. You can also try massaging the area with ice. Apply it on and off to give a sense of comfort for your teething baby.
Consider medications
Aside from pressure and ice, you can consider pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. This is especially true if your baby is uncomfortable and has a fever. Make sure to consult your pediatrician or dentist so they can prescribe the proper dosage for your baby.
Avoid teething gels
Teething gels do not have much effect on the symptoms that your baby may experience. Instead, it may even be more harmful to your baby. Most teething gels contain benzocaine, a numbing cream used in local anesthetics. However, this ingredient may cause methemoglobinemia. This is a life-threatening condition of the blood that interferes with the release of oxygen in the body.
When should your child first visit the dentist?
At Sierra Dental, we encourage your child’s first visit to be when the first tooth erupts, about 6 – 7 months of age, or during your child’s first birthday. We will help your child get acquainted with the environment during their first dental visit. This is an integral part of your child’s development. Making the first dental visit memorable and fun will motivate your child to care their teeth better.
During the first appointment, the usual procedures to be done are:
- Full mouth examination
- Teeth cleaning
- Xrays, if needed
- Fluoride treatment
Fluoride is very important
The application of fluoride on the teeth provides a protective coating that counteracts the effects of acid on the teeth. This helps strengthen the teeth and prevent tooth decay. Regular application of fluoride will keep your child’s baby teeth healthy until they are ready to be replaced by their permanent counterpart.
Dental care for kids
Remember that dental visits should be made at least twice a year. This is to prevent dental diseases and maintain your child’s good oral health. But this only comprises two days spent at the dentist. The rest should be allotted to excellent at-home hygiene care.
Establish a consistent oral care routine to help your child develop better health habits. Start with regular toothbrushing using a dentist-recommended toothpaste. Also, encourage healthy eating habits to prevent early tooth decay due to frequent sugar consumption. Lastly, help your child enjoy caring for their teeth so they can continue this practice until they are older.
Kids Dentistry at Sierra Dental
Infant and kids’ dental care should be prioritized as much as adult dentistry. Because though they will be replaced, the baby teeth are just as important as the adult teeth, if not more. They are vital to a child’s overall health and will ensure a healthy and beautiful smile as they age.
Discover a fun and safe family dental practice with Sierra Dental. Book an appointment today to learn more!