Baby teeth play a vital role in your child’s development. They help with talking, chewing, and smiling. In this article, we’ll discuss three important facts about your child’s first set of teeth.
Baby teeth usually appear between 6 and 9 months
Most babies start growing their first teeth between 6 and 9 months of age. However, some may get their first tooth as early as three months, while others may not see a tooth until they’re a year old. Typically, the two lower front teeth emerge first, followed by the two upper ones. By the age of three, most children have a complete set of 20 primary teeth.
Even before your baby’s teeth start to grow, it’s essential to maintain proper oral hygiene. Babies often put their hands and other objects in their mouths, which can introduce bacteria. If you’re unsure about how to care for your baby’s gums and teeth, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for guidance.
Baby teeth need daily care as soon as they appear
Just like adult teeth, baby teeth can develop cavities. Regularly nursing your baby or putting them to bed with a bottle can increase the risk of tooth decay. This is because breast milk and formula contain sugars that can lead to a build-up of bacteria when left in the baby’s mouth for extended periods, especially overnight. These bacteria feed on the enamel, which is the protective layer of your baby’s teeth.
To help prevent tooth decay, switch from milk to water once your baby’s teeth start to appear. Water, which often contains fluoride, can help strengthen your baby’s tooth enamel. Your dentist can advise you on whether your baby needs fluoride supplements.
It’s important to clean your baby’s teeth daily to minimize the time bacteria have to cause decay. The rate of tooth decay is influenced by how long sugars and carbohydrates remain in the mouth. Try to limit your child’s intake of sugary foods like candies, cakes, and cookies.
Neglecting your baby’s dental hygiene can lead to discolouration, cavities, and even speech difficulties if the damage is severe enough to require removing the affected teeth. If you need help or advice on how to clean your baby’s teeth, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or dental hygienist.
Baby teeth are temporary, but they matter
Around the age of six, your child’s baby teeth will start to loosen and fall out as their permanent teeth grow in to replace them. However, baby teeth should not fall out until the permanent replacement is ready to emerge. The primary teeth act as guides for the proper alignment of the permanent ones. If a baby tooth remains in place for too long, it may indicate that the permanent tooth is growing in the wrong direction.
This is why it’s crucial to take your child to the dentist between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. If permanent teeth grow in misaligned, it can affect your child’s facial appearance, chewing ability, and speech.
Taking care of baby teeth is just as important as caring for adult teeth. Since baby teeth are replaced at different times, your child will likely have a mix of primary and permanent teeth until around the age of 12. By then, they should have developed all their teeth except for the molars, which typically emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties.
Primary teeth are essential throughout your child’s tooth development period, as they enable comfortable speaking, eating, and smiling.
Conclusion
Maintaining your child’s dental health is an investment in their overall quality of life. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental care, the friendly team at Carrum Downs Dental Group is here to help. Our experienced dentists are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your little one’s teeth. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and support in keeping your child’s smile healthy and bright.
