Caring For Your Baby's Teeth and When To See A Dentist
Written by: Fesaha Gebrehiwot, DDS
Dr. Fesaha Gebrehiwot
How to care for baby teeth
New parents have so many responsibilities that the state of their baby’s' gums and future teeth might be the last thing on their minds. However, caring for gums and teeth from birth can drastically influence a child's future health, ability to speak and growth of adult teeth.
Baby teeth are so important, some will be in the mouth until they're 10, 11, 12, 13 years old. It's just really critical to start them on good habits early on.
Baby teeth hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent tooth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in.
New parents naturally have a lot of questions about how to adequately care for their baby’s teeth.
When will my baby's teeth come in?
Babies grow and develop at different rates, and that includes teeth development—some babies are even born with a tooth or two. For most babies, however, the first tooth doesn't erupt until around six months. The central incisors (bottom middle teeth) usually appear first, followed by the top middle teeth, then the teeth on either side of those, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
Before babies sprout their first teeth, you can use a wet washcloth or piece of gauze to wipe their gums after they eat and before bedtime. Doing this removes the harmful bacteria that clings to gums and could potentially damage newly erupting baby teeth.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your baby's teeth with an infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as that first tooth appears.
Is fluoride toothpaste safe for my baby?
Fluoride plays a significant role in reducing cavities. While too much isn't good for your baby, you can use a small amount - about the size of a grain of rice. By age three, your child will be ready to learn how to spit the toothpaste out, rather than swallow it.
Fluoride is also in most drinking water.
"Around 75 percent of homes in the U.S. already have fluoridated water, and studies suggest fluoride in drinking water is a major part of children's dental health; fluoridated water reduces cavities by at least 25 percent.
When should I schedule my child's first dentist appointment?
Dentists like to see babies within six months of the appearance of their first tooth or by age one, whichever comes first. Dental appointments during a baby's early years usually consist of a tooth cleaning with a toothbrush and toothpaste, an exam where you can discuss concerns and ask questions, and the application of a fluoride varnish to protect the enamel of growing teeth.
What might increase my child's chances of cavities?
What your child eats is the biggest contributing factor to the development of cavities. Consuming sticky, chewy or sugary foods (including high-sugar fruits like bananas or carbohydrates from bread sources) on a regular basis increases your child's chances of cavities.
Other possible risk factors include the naturally-occurring bacteria found in saliva, the strength of enamel, and the structure of teeth. Because several factors are beyond your control, visiting the dentist regularly is an important part of your child's dental care.
Fesaha Gebrehiwot, DDS
If you’re in the area, be sure to visit:
Trusted Dental Care
560 Country Club Rd. Suite 106
Wylie TX. 75098
Phone number: 214.702.0446
www.TrustedDentalCare.com
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About The Expert:
Dr. Gebrehiwot is a highly trained general dentist offering comprehensive and personalized general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry to patients of all ages in Wylie, TX. Coming from humble beginnings, Dr. G. left his hometown of Eritrea in East Africa after winning a Diversity Visa Lottery, which provided him the opportunity to move to the United States and pursue his education. His interest and appreciation for dentistry began when he visited the dentist for the first time at age 25. Realizing his ability to impact the lives of others in a profound and compassionate way, Dr. G. has cultivated his skills and become a leading provider of patient-focused, quality dental care for generations of families.
Education:
After moving to the United States and learning English, Dr. G. attended Arizona State University, where he earned his degree in electrical engineering. He then went on to work for Motorola/FreeScale Semiconductor in a product engineer capacity before returning to school to receive his doctorate in dental surgery from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle. Today, Dr. G. completes hundreds of hours of continuing education courses so that he may bring the newest technologies and most effective treatment outcomes to the smiles of his patients. He has also trained in the use of dental lasers and both the surgical placement and restoration of dental implants.
(Background and education taken from Trusted Dental Care’s website)