Whether a first-time mom, or a mom several times over, experiencing your baby’s developmental milestones is wonderful. When it comes to baby teeth, you want to make sure everything is on track with getting or loosing teeth, you are doing what you can to help, and, you may even want to celebrate it. With that in mind, here are 4 things to know about your baby’s dental health as well as some fun ways to celebrate along the way.
Baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth, milk teeth or primary teeth) begin to wiggle as early as age 4 and you will see kids losing teeth between the ages of 5-15, with girls many times losing them before boys.
Baby teeth can also be lost due to injuries or dental issues such as gum disease or cavities. Some parents think that baby teeth don’t require the same care as adult teeth since they will be lost, but this isn’t the case. In a “premature loss”, it is critical to see a dentist to prevent more significant future issues.
If your child hasn’t lost any teeth by age 8, or if adult teeth erupt before the baby teeth have fallen out, talk to your dentist to make sure there are no problems.
1. When Teeth Erupt
Your child’s baby teeth will begin to come in about 6 months of age, and will continue into their second year. As soon as teeth appear, decay can start so it’s important to start brushing those baby teeth with a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste (no more than the size of a grain of rice). These primary teeth will then begin falling out and be replaced with permanent teeth around age 6 and can continue into young adulthood
2. How to Help with Infant Teething
Teething infants can experience pain when their baby teeth are coming in. You will notice increased drooling, a desire to mouth/chew objects, sore gums, and maybe a grouchy demeanor. To help with teething:
- Give your baby cool or cold items to chew and suck on such as a washcloth or teething ring or toy
- Massage your baby’s gums with your fingers
- Talk to your doctor about over the counter pain management solutions
3. How Many/What Types of Baby Teeth?
Babies are born with 20 primary teeth, also called baby teeth. The first to erupt are usually the central incisors which are the bottom and top front two teeth. From there, the mouth fills towards the back, with molars erupting last. Lateral incisors will quickly follow the eruption of the first baby teeth, and canine teeth will come in within a few months after that. Just after a year of age to age two, or even longer for some kids, first and second molars will begin to come in.
4. When to See a Dentist
Cavities in baby teeth are still possible, whether you bottle or breast feed. As soon as teeth erupt, you should “brush” them- whether wiping them with a cool washcloth or using a small toothbrush with a rice grain size of fluoride toothpaste. It is also recommended that your child has their first visit to see your dentist some time between the eruption of teeth and your baby’s first birthday. It’s recommended to have your child see the dentist within 6 months of your child’s first tooth eruption, or at age 1, whichever comes first. This helps establish a foundation for good dental hygiene. The dentist will help your baby with brushing techniques and address any concerns you have about oral care, such as thumb or pacifier sucking, teething, and more.
Always see your dentist if your baby has a mouth or tooth injury or other concern.
Fun Baby Teeth Activities
For some fun ways to celebrate and/or commemorate your baby’s dental journey, consider these fun activities:
- Create a Baby Teeth Chart Page. Use it in a scrapbook, memory box, or frame it; your page is a fun way to celebrate the milestone of baby teeth.
- Play up the Tooth Fairy. A few minutes on Pinterest will give you ideas ranging from notes from the Tooth Fairy herself, to glitter footprints or glittered money.
- Keep a Jar. Create a special collection piece, such as a jar or pouch where your little one can deposit their teeth. Here is a very simple idea of a stenciled tooth jar. Healthy dental care habits are important to start young for overall health and wellness. Get scheduled today to introduce your baby to a friendly dentist near you.
- Tags:
- Metal Braces