It’s exciting when your baby’s first tooth comes in (okay, maybe teething wasn’t so fun), but what now? How do you care for those cute little chomp, and what should you expect next?
Like every other aspect of your baby’s life, these first few years of your infant’s dental health are crucial. During these early ages, you can help develop healthy habits and start your child’s dental journey on the right foot.
Here are tips to help you navigate infant tooth care:
- Know the schedule: Every infant’s schedule differs, but their bottom front teeth typically erupt between 6 and 10 months. The upper front teeth should come in by the end of their first year, the canines around 16 to 22 months, and the first and second molars between 13 to 33 months. All of their teeth will come in by the time your child is about three years old.
- Take a peek: Check inside your child’s mouth and become familiar with their gums. That way, you can tell if there’s something wrong. Healthy gums should be moist and pink in color. Teething gums may appear red and swollen as the teeth begin to erupt but should return to their typical pink hue afterward.
- Keep ‘em clean: Taking care of your child’s teeth should begin even before the first tooth comes in. Start by gently cleaning their gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding. Once a tooth comes in, it’s time to take the cleaning up a notch. Now you can use a child-sized soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the teeth with only the tiniest amount of fluoride-enhanced toothpaste, but keep cleaning those gums! You can start using a larger pea-sized amount of toothpaste once your child turns three.
- Fluoride Facts: Speaking of fluoride, it helps to prevent decay and will strengthen your child’s teeth. You can find fluoride in drinking water and toothpaste, but if your tap water does not have fluoride, there are supplements available.
- Make an appointment: Once that first tooth peeks through, it’s time to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist. Regular check-ups are vital to your child’s dental health, as they can help prevent disease or issues early.
- Manage the pain: It will take time for all of your child’s teeth to come through, so there may be times when they are uncomfortable. They might cry, or there may be excessive drooling. If their gums are sore, you can ease their pain with some acetaminophen or a cold, but not frozen, teething ring. The FDA also cautions against using any numbing gels on your child’s gums.
- Child Cavities: Yes, your child can get cavities even when they are young, so do what you can to prevent that from happening. Do not let them fall asleep with a bottle, limit sugary and sticky drinks and foods, take good care of their teeth and schedule regular dental check-ups, which can help keep cavities at bay.
- Consult the professionals: When in doubt, our team of knowledgeable professionals at Summerville Pediatric Dentistry can answer any question or concern you may have about your little one’s dental health. We’re here to help arm parents with the tools they need to keep their child’s smile bright and healthy.
If you have any other questions or concerns about your little one’s teeth, contact Summerville Pediatric Dentistry today.