We all want good health, happiness, and a lifetime of smiles for our children – and this starts with taking great care of their teeth. However, it’s not always obvious how to take adequate care of your child’s developing teeth; after all, their smiles are quite different from ours at this point in our lives. Nonetheless, there’s quite a bit to keep in mind. Continue reading to learn some of the key facts about baby teeth and why keeping them in tip-top shape will greatly benefit your child!
Baby Teeth: The Basics
Although they’re eventually replaced by adult teeth, baby teeth are a very critical component of every child’s development. Without them, your little one wouldn’t be able to chew, speak, and smile with ease – not to mention, they also reserve space in the mouth for the adult teeth!
Children are born with 20 primary (baby) teeth, but they’re beneath the gumline for the first part of their lives. These teeth begin to emerge around 6 months of age, usually continuing until the child is 3 or so years old. This phase is known as “teething”, and it has a bit of a reputation for causing children temporary discomfort. Many parents often provide their child with a teething toy during this period, which is a safe-to-chew toy that soothes much of the discomfort caused by erupting teeth.
Between the ages of 6 and 12, children have a combination of baby and adult teeth, as the latter set begins to emerge and replace the former. Usually, the front baby teeth are lost first, and the canines and molars aren’t lost until later.
The Importance of Lifelong Dental Hygiene
Whether your little one still has baby teeth, or they’ve begun to inherit their permanent set, you should want them to practice excellent oral hygiene. Baby teeth actually have thinner enamel than adult teeth, making them more prone to cavities. Not to mention, since there are often larger spaces between baby teeth, it’s easier for bacteria to become trapped and form tartar. Tooth decay can even set in before the teeth have begun erupting, meaning that it’s crucial to start off on the right foot, or in this case, tooth!
Encourage your child to brush and floss twice every single day; if they aren’t old enough to do it on their own, be sure to help them do a thorough job. For children under 2, a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste on a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush is recommended. For ages 3 – 6, a pea-sized amount can be used.
If your child is very young and their teeth are still erupting, a damp, clean washcloth can be used to wipe down their gums after feeding sessions. Of course, also be certain to take them to see their dentist twice a year; routine care is just as vital for younger smiles, since they can develop all the same issues as older ones!
It doesn’t take much to keep up with your little’s dental wellness, and by doing so, you’re setting them up for a happy and healthy future – before long, they’ll be posing for pictures with a bright and white set of adult teeth!
About the Practice
Here at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln, we proudly offer a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, and we’d be more than happy to work with you toward bolstering your child’s oral wellness and ensuring their smile looks and feels great. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, feel free to visit us online or call us today for further information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 290-0090.