It’s an exciting time when parents are able to welcome a new face into the family. After some time caring for the new baby, you finally spot your little boy or girl’s new teeth budding out through the gums. In a blink of an eye, your child will have a full set of baby teeth. While baby teeth are quite small and are know to be replaced by adult teeth, it is very important for a baby to develop and maintain healthy teeth. A healthy set of baby teeth is integral for speech development and chewing. Here are a few pointers to ensure that your baby’s teeth have proper care! It is important to choose a toothbrush that was be optimal for cleaning and maintaining healthy baby teeth. Be on the lookout for a soft brush with a small head and a large handle. This type of toothbrush will allow a parent to gently maneuver through a little one’s small mouth, getting the brush even to the smallest of crevices. Before the age of 1, baby teeth can be brushed with just a wet toothbrush; past that age, a pea-sized amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste can be incorporated into the brushing routine. It is advised that fluoride toothpaste should be held off until a child is at least 2 years old. While brushing, look for signs that would point to baby tooth decay, which can be found in form of brown or white spots on the teeth. If possible decay is detected, the child should be taken to a pediatric dentist for an examination. Good ways to prevent cavities from forming is to avoid giving your child juices, sodas, or any other drinks with high sugar content. Bacteria in the mouth easily thrives on any sugar present in the mouth, so it is essential to limit a baby’s sugar intake. As a child continues to grow, he or she will begin to want to be in command of their brushing routine. Parents still need to supervise their child with this process until he or she is able to hold the brush, and can rinse and spit without help. The period it takes for a baby to develop a full set of teeth can be a difficult time for both the child and parents. Through this time, each tooth will begin to emerge, which is a process known as teething. Babies can begin to exhibit signs of teething through drooling, swollen gums, and even having temperatures a little above normal. Teething can be a very uncomfortable experience for the baby, but no fear! Teething rings can be used to allow the babies to chew something safe while their teeth starts to come in. Avoid giving a child small objects to chew on that could potentially lead to choking. If your child is in serious pain, consult your pediatrician and ask if the baby can take acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) for pain relief. Helping your child develop beautiful pearly whites can take time and effort, but it will definitely be worth it! Oral hygiene doesn't begin when an individual ready to pick up a toothbrush, it starts right away! We have an excellent pediatric dentist, Dr. Pradhan, who would be more than happy to help your child. If you have more concerns about caring for baby teeth, Drs. Ali & Ali and their team at Wellesley Dental Group will be very happy to answer your questions. Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com!
