We know we have to care for our teeth, gums, and mouth – practicing good dental hygiene habits in adulthood is important – but did you know that your little ones need good oral care, too? We are born with our 20 primary baby teeth already present in the jaws – and they have to be taken care of.
The Importance of Baby Teeth
When a baby tooth is lost too early (because of poor dental habits or cavities) the permanent teeth underneath can move into the empty space before they should. This makes it difficult for adult teeth to come in properly.
Why does this matter? This shifting can cause crooked and crowded teeth later in life, which can then lead to a host of other potentially expensive dental issues.
The American Dental Association recommends that you take your child to the dentist no later than his or her first birthday and then every six months after that. This will help your dentist keep an eye on how your child’s teeth are coming in and will also help your child learn how important dental care is.
Start Early
Did you know? Your child’s teeth are at risk for cavities as soon as they first pop out.
Babies do get cavities: Tooth decay in infants and toddlers most often occurs in the upper front teeth and is usually caused by bottle feeding.
The good news: With proper care, your child’s baby teeth can stay healthy and decay-free until their permanent teeth are ready to come in.
Cleaning Your Little One’s Teeth
Take care of your baby’s teeth from birth and beyond. Here are some tips:
- Birth-Six Months: Clean your baby’s mouth after birth – wipe the gums clean with a moist gauze pad or washcloth
- 6-24 Months: When your child’s first tooth comes in, brush it gently with a child-sized toothbrush and water. As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, begin flossing them as well.
- Toddler Years: From age two up, you can brush your child’s teeth with a very small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to teach them the importance of not swallowing the toothpaste.
- Early Childhood and Beyond: As soon as you feel your child is ready, teach them how to properly brush their teeth themselves with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of dentist-recommended fluoride toothpaste.
Contact Pointe Dental Group
At Pointe, we offer dental services for children of all ages, such as orthodontics and sleep apnea.
Need to schedule your child’s first dental appointment or have a concern about her oral health? Please contact us!
We have two convenient locations to serve you:
Grosse Pointe Farms
18342 Mack Avenue
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
(313) 881-2480
Shelby Township
50505 Schoenherr Rd # 170
Shelby Township, MI 48315
(586) 803-8300
Services:
Dental Services
Orthodontics
Sleep Apnea
Periodontics
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