Knowing what to expect when it comes to baby teeth can cause some anxiety, especially among new parents. To help ease your mind and calm any fears, you are encouraged to keep reading to learn all there is to know about your child’s growing set of pearly whites.
What Are Some General Facts About Baby Teeth?
Here are a few general facts to help you learn more about your little one’s baby teeth:
- Your child’s first baby may likely erupt around the age of six months, and the process will continue until they reach the age of three.
- The first teeth to erupt (usually) are the bottom front ones, soon followed by the upper front two teeth.
- It is common for baby teeth to have space between them, as this allows their adult teeth to have enough room to move into place in the future.
When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit before they reach the age of one, or as soon as their first tooth erupts.
This initial visit allows your child to become familiar with the dentist’s office, and it gives the team a chance to better understand your little one’s oral health. While a full examination and cleaning may not be necessary at this time, the dentist may discuss important tips you can practice at home to keep your child’s mouth clean.
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
While baby teeth eventually fall out, it is essential that they remain as healthy as possible. The reason is that they set the foundation for your child’s future permanent teeth.
If decay, cavities, damage, and early tooth loss occur, it can cause potential problems (i.e., dental drift, infection, etc.) that affect bite misalignment, self-esteem, or oral and facial development.
This is why your child’s dentist will encourage good dental hygiene habits at home, starting at an early age. This means cleaning teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) for children two years of age and under. Once they reach the age of three, you can begin to use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Now that you know more about baby teeth, you no longer need to be anxious about what exists in your child’s future. Instead, you can prepare to enjoy this next phase and the beautiful smile you’ll see.
About the Author
Dr. Mauri Heesch is a fourth-generation dentist who understands how life-changing dentistry can be for a person’s smile. Treating patients of all ages at Neighborhood Dental – Brandon, she enjoys caring for the youngest patients, even those who do not yet have any teeth! If you are the parent of a little one, and you want to learn more about what you can expect when it comes to baby teeth, contact us at (605) 582-6522 to schedule an appointment with our team today.