4 Facts Every Parent Should Know About Their Baby’s Teeth

From birth plans to sleeping schedules, there is a lot that goes into caring for the newest member of your family. And when you lock eyes with them and see their little, gummy smile for the first time, you know all the sleepless nights and endless preparation is worth it. Keeping their baby teeth in pristine condition throughout the years comes with its own set of do’s and don’ts, which many parents often forget. Fortunately, you can keep reading for four must-know tips to prevent that job from becoming overwhelming!

#1. Oral Care Should Begin BEFORE Their First Tooth Emerges

All too often, parents don’t start their baby’s oral hygiene regimen until after their first tooth emerges. In reality, caring for their little mouths should be a priority from day one. Luckily, this job is relatively easy with a clean washcloth. Just gently use a clean finger and the washcloth to gently wipe down their gums after they’ve eaten and before they go to bed.

#2. Most Babies Will Develop Teeth Between 6 and 12 Months

Each child develops differently. However, you can expect your little one’s first tooth to appear between 6 and 12 months old. Usually, their lower front teeth are the first to emerge, followed by their top teeth. By the age of three, most children’s entire set of primary teeth have broken through the gum line.

#3. How To Ease Your Little One’s Teething Pain

Hearing the cries of your child struggling with teething pain is like a dagger to the heart, especially if you aren’t sure how to help them. Fortunately, there are a few safe, effective best practices you can implement to soothe their aching gums. First, try gently massaging their gums with a clean finger. Next, offer them cold items to chew on, like slushy applesauce or a cool washcloth. If all else fails, ask their doctor about infant ibuprofen.

#4. Primary Teeth Are Just As Important As Permanent Teeth

Since baby teeth aren’t permanent, many parents allow their little one’s oral hygiene regimen to fall to the wayside. Unfortunately, this can negatively impact the development, alignment, and position of their permanent teeth. Not to mention the self-esteem and speech issues that develop from damaged or otherwise compromised teeth. Fortunately, prioritizing the care of their baby teeth can help prevent these problems from occurring.

As a new parent, one of your most important roles is taking care of your little one’s overall health, including the health of their oral cavity. Using the above information is a great place to start!

About the Author

Dr. Maggie Davis is a board-certified pediatric dentist who has been helping growing smiles look and feel their best for over a full decade now. She graduated fourth in her class from the University of Florida and has since become a Diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Although her advanced training and active memberships in multiple professional organizations are impressive, it’s her passion for her craft and genuine care for her patients that really makes her stand out. To schedule an appointment, visit her website or give her a call at 727-786-7551.