All About Baby Teeth
Seeing your baby start to grow teeth is a milestone as a parent. Babies look so adorable when flashing their little pearly whites.
But did you know that little ones have always had their teeth? They're born with them but they only erupt starting around 6 months.
There's no definite timeline as to when the teeth will begin erupting or which one shows up first. But, usually, it's the central incisors or middle-bottom teeth that appear first.
Every baby is unique so don't worry if your baby's tooth comes in early or a bit later.
A baby's teething journey can be both fun and challenging. Some babies go through it without problems, while some experience pain and discomfort. This phase will pass.
To ensure you're helping your teething baby the right way, consult with your family dentist in Toronto, OH.
Let's talk more about baby teeth and how to take care of them.
The importance of baby teeth
The baby teeth are as important as the adult teeth. They save space for the permanent teeth until they're ready to come in.
They also help babies chew properly so they can absorb as many nutrients as possible from their food. They also play a role in speech and facial development. A healthy set of teeth also helps children feel more confident when interacting with others.
If the baby teeth fall off prematurely, the remaining teeth may occupy the gap and result in misalignment and bite issues. By caring for their baby teeth, you can help your child enjoy a lifelong of healthy and radiant smiles.
Tips for teething babies
It's normal for babies to be fussy or upset when they're teething. Here are some tips to help soothe them.
- Give your baby chilled teethers, but supervise them.
- Massage their gums gently using a clean, damp washcloth or clean fingers.
- Let them indulge in a chilled fruit placed inside a mesh feeder.
- Choose non-gel-filled teething toys and those without small parts that can turn into choking hazards.
- Give your baby lots of hugs and cuddles.
- Talk to your pediatrician about giving your baby safe medications.
Caring for baby teeth
- Don't let your baby sleep with a bottle on.
- Avoid filling their pacifier with sweets or fruit juices.
- Clean your baby's mouth using a clean, damp washcloth even before their teeth start to erupt.
- Once their teeth start to come in or touch each other, you may start using an age-appropriate toothbrush.
- Make mouth cleaning a daily habit to help your child get used to it.
- Talk to your dentist about the right type of toothpaste to use for your child.
- Change your child's toothbrush every 3-4 months or once they start to become frayed.
- Help your child to stop using pacifiers or thumb-sucking after they turn 4.
When should I start taking my baby to the dentist?
You may start taking your baby to the dentist once their teeth start to come in or once they turn 1.
Think it's too early for a dental visit? The goal of your dentist is to check your baby's mouth to see if it's developing properly and if there are any issues.
Most likely, they won't be performing treatments unless it's necessary. Here in our dental office at Smyl Dentistry, we focus first on earning your child's trust.
We do our best to make them feel comfortable at the dental office so they'll feel excited to come back and see us again.
A child's visit is also an opportunity for you to talk to the dentist about your dental-related concerns. If you're having a hard time brushing your child's teeth, we're here to provide tips and support.
With your help, we can prevent dental fears or anxieties from setting in and make dental visits a pleasant experience for your family.
Looking for a dentist in Toronto, ON for your child? Contact Smyl Dentistry today at