Do you remember what it was like to lose your first tooth? Perhaps you used the wiggle method to prompt the tooth fairy to come or were brave and tied your tooth to a door as your father slammed it shut. Now, as a parent, you’re well aware that your child starts his or her life with temporary teeth that fall out over time, paving the way for our set or permanent teeth to emerge. Your child’s baby teeth start to erupt around 6 months of age and continue to come in quickly after that.
While many parents think that it’s less important to take care of baby teeth since they’ll eventually fall out anyway, the opposite is actually true. The way you care for your child’s baby teeth establishes a foundation for the dental health that they will experience throughout their lives. It’s essential to provide quality care for your child’s baby teeth, even if they are temporary. Here are a few tips to help you keep your child’s mouth clean and healthy:
1- Start brushing your baby teeth right away when they appear. In fact, it’s good practice to use a wet gauze pad to rub around your child’s gums to condition them to the sensation of a foreign object in their mouth. This can also soothe your baby as he or she starts teething.
2- Refrain from using a bottle before bedtime to prevent consumption of milk or juice and what is known as ‘baby bottle tooth decay.’ It’s also wise to rinse your child’s mouth out with water after every meal.
3- Schedule your first dental appointment for about 6 months after the first tooth emerges so that your child can begin to form a bond with your dentist and you can start a regular calendar of checkups and cleanings.
If you have any questions about your child’s dental health or if you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible.