Dentist’s Advice For Your Baby’s Teeth

Jun 29
11:28

2010

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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Know about your baby’s teeth, teething and other aspects of oral health so that when you come across the various stages of your child’s oral growth, you know how to react and what to do.

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Your baby needs proper health care and proper dental care. It's easy to overlook this simple but very important fact. Once your baby's teeth start coming in,Dentist’s Advice For Your Baby’s Teeth Articles it's essential that you start taking care of them and encouraging healthy brushing habits early on. Here is the most common advice from your dentist.

First Appearance

You'll start to see teeth anywhere from 4 to 9 months. Some kids take longer than others; some take as long as 18 months before the first ones appear. If you're unsure about it, talk to your dentist. It's rare for there to be problems with tooth emerging. Doctors recommend that you start cleaning before they even come in. Make sure your finger is clean, and use it to rub your baby's gums. You can start doing this just a few days after birth.

Teething is when your child's teeth are coming in, and it's painful. They may cry a lot and drool more than usual. They might also wake up at night more often and in grumpier moods. One thing you can do to help them when they're teething is get them a teething ring or cool washcloth to chew on. You can also massage their gums with a clean finger.

Brushing And Flossing

Once your baby has some teeth, it's time to start brushing. While it's not necessary to use a toothbrush, many parents choose to so that their child will get used to the routine. Your dentist will tell you to brush in the morning and evening before bed at least. After meals is ideal but not always possible.

Toothpaste is optional, but if you choose toothpaste, make sure to use one that's not fluoride based. You can always ask your for advice on what to use. For children under 2, just use a tiny bit. Always be gentle when brushing and flossing. Remember that their oral organs are much more sensitive than an adult's.

Watch For Cavities

Baby teeth are important for your child's later development, so watch closely for cavities. The warning signs are discoloration and pitting. If you see anything that looks like a cavity, it's always a good idea to show it to the dentist. One cause of cavities in babies is too much bottle feeding. Dentists recommend that you do not leave the bottle overnight in your child's crib for this reason.

As soon as your child's tooth starts coming in, go ahead and start making regular check-ups with the dentist. The first and best way to avoid problems is through prevention!

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