Becoming a new parent comes with a multitude of questions, especially when it comes to your baby’s health and development.
When it comes to their teeth, we’ve got you covered.
Our experienced pediatric dental team at Lifetime Dental Care in Woodbridge, Virginia, loves to help kids and their parents learn about oral hygiene and the ins and outs of baby teeth. Here’s what you need to know.
Baby teeth usually begin to appear when your child is around 6 months of age. The lower central incisors show up first, followed by the upper central incisors.
By the time your child is 3 years old, they should have a full set of 20 primary teeth. However, every child is different; some may start teething earlier or later.
Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that you schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing.
Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head designed specifically for infants.
Brush twice a day using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste — about the size of a grain of rice — until your child turns 3. After age 3, you can increase the amount to a pea-sized dollop.
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque, bacteria, and sugars. While fluoride is beneficial, too much can lead to dental fluorosis, which causes discoloration. We can help you understand the right amount of fluoride — fluoride supplements aren’t necessary unless we prescribe them.
Teething can be uncomfortable for your baby and stressful for you. Common symptoms include fussiness, drooling, and a constant desire to chew on things.
To alleviate discomfort, give your baby a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, use a clean finger to gently rub their gums, or give them a cold, wet washcloth to chew on.
Dental sealants are thin coatings we apply to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities. While they’re more commonly used for older children, we may recommend sealants for younger kids at high risk of decay.
Teething hurts. You can try over-the-counter pain relief, such as infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to ease the pain, following your pediatrician’s guidelines.
Avoid teething gels containing benzocaine, as they can pose health risks to infants.
Baby teeth begin to fall out around age 6, starting with the lower and then the upper central incisors. This process continues until the early teenage years, when permanent ones replace all primary teeth.
If your child knocks out a baby tooth, there’s no need to reinsert it, as it could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Come see us to assess the situation and ensure there are no further complications. In the meantime, rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Good dental hygiene should start early. Teach your child to brush and floss daily, limit sugary foods and drinks, and visit our expert pediatric dentists regularly.
To schedule your child’s visit, call Lifetime Dental Care or request an appointment online.