If you are a new parent, you’re not alone if you feel apprehensive about your child’s growing smile. You may appreciate their gummy grin right now, but what should you expect when that first baby tooth erupts? When should you take them in to see the dentist? It’s normal to be unsure, but you can begin to feel at ease as you keep reading to learn the answers to these important questions.
Basic Baby Teeth Facts: What You Should Know
Whether your child is still smiling back with nothing but their gums showing, or you’re being met with a beautiful grin that contains several tiny white tooth buds, being prepared for the road ahead is important. Here are a few key facts to help you get started:
- The first baby tooth will likely erupt when your child is between the ages of six and twelve months.
- Once your child reaches six months old, you can begin introducing water to them, which often contains fluoride. This is essential to help strengthen their developing teeth.
- Baby teeth typically erupt starting with the lower front two teeth, quickly followed by the upper front two teeth. This process continues until all are in place by the time your child reaches the age of 3.
- Your child should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts or before they reach the age of one.
What Does Teething Involve?
Teething is a process children go through when their baby teeth begin to push through the gumline. It often causes some soreness; however, some children never seem to complain or have significant discomfort.
If your little one is experiencing this process, here are a few important details to remember:
- Teething is likely to cause your child to become fussy and uncomfortable, so offering calming solutions is helpful.
- A clean washcloth, a cold teething toy, massaging their gums, or using age-appropriate acetaminophen can reduce the soreness your child feels.
- Teething is a process that will continue on and off until all your child’s baby teeth fully erupt, which is usually around the age of three.
- Avoid benzocaine (a topical anesthetic like Orajel), as it can cause harmful side effects. Opt for safer numbing solutions.
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
While it is true that these teeth will fall out eventually, they must remain in the best condition possible if you want your child’s permanent ones to erupt correctly.
During this early stage of development, baby teeth can be subjected to countless bad bacteria, all of which thrive on eating away at tooth enamel and causing cavities to form. This is why it’s important to be mindful about what you’re feeding your little one and how to protect these teeth until it’s time for your child to say goodbye to them.
By taking all the necessary precautions, you can watch alongside your child how excited they get when a tooth falls out, knowing the one taking its place will be healthy and properly aligned when it comes in.
About the Author
Dr. Ramu Vuppala earned his dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Passionate about working with young patients, he provides safe and attentive oral healthcare to the tiniest smiles. When helping parents learn how to care for their child’s teeth and gums, our team can suggest beneficial ways to clean erupting baby teeth so that permanent ones have the best chance to succeed. If you have any questions about your child’s teeth, or if it’s time for their first appointment, visit our website or call (432) 315-0195.