When you first become a parent, it’s tempting to just focus on your baby’s physical health. After all, ensuring they’re eating well, sleeping well, and safe from bodily harm takes a lot of time. However, it would help if you also considered their oral health. Even if they don’t have any teeth now, it’s just a matter of time until they get their first tooth. That said, you may not know what to expect or how to respond to their dental needs. If that’s the case, read this guide to baby teeth to learn how to protect your little one’s budding smile.
Baby Teeth Develop at 6-12 Months
When a baby gets their first tooth can vary widely. Some infants don’t have any teeth at their first birthday, while others can have three or four by that point. Still, it’s generally the case that a baby’s first tooth appears around the six-month mark. Around that time, they’ll show signs of teething (crying, swollen or sensitive gums, etc.) as the lower front teeth start breaking through the gums.
Brush Your Baby’s Teeth Twice Daily
Soon after your child’s first tooth appears, brush it and any surrounding teeth twice daily with a smear of fluoridated toothpaste — ideally the size of a grain of rice. One of the best times for this brushing is after the day’s last food or drink.
As part of this process, you should also avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle. Doing so can lead to tooth decay.
Baby’s First Tooth = Baby’s First Dental Appointment
When your child’s first tooth erupts, or when their first birthday arrives — whichever comes first — go ahead and schedule them for their first dental appointment.
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend that all children see a pediatric dentist for a dental home” by age one. From your young one’s first appointment onward, the specialist will assess whether teeth are developing typically and if there are any dental problems. They will also give you further advice on infant oral hygiene.
If you don’t have a pediatric dentist in your community, try to find a general one comfortable treating young children.
Having learned the items above, you hopefully feel better prepared to care for your baby’s teeth. If you have any other questions, though, feel free to talk with a local dentist about other tips and guidance. They’ll likely be happy to help!
About the Author
Dr. Luke Lumpkin is a dentist in Bartlesville, OK, having earned his DDS from the University of Oklahoma’s School of Dentistry. He’s practiced dentistry for over a decade. Furthermore, he serves as a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. His services include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency smile procedures. Dr. Lumpkin currently practices at Dentistry by Design and can be reached at his website or by phone at (918)-336-6777.