Teething
Normally the first tooth erupts between ages 6 to 12 months.
Gums are sore, tender and sometimes irritable until the age of
3. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a
cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums.
Teething rings work well, but avoid teething biscuits‚ they
contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.
While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor the
teeth for signs of baby bottle decay. Examine the teeth,
especially on the inside or the tongue side, every two weeks
for dull spots (whiter than the tooth surface) or lines. A bottle
containing anything other than water and left in an infant's
mouth while sleeping can cause decay. This happens because
sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque,
forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child
drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about
20 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid.
During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and
liquids pool around the child's teeth for long periods, covering
the teeth in acids.
Infant‚ New Teeth
The primary, or baby teeth, play a crucial role in dental
development. Without them, a child cannot chew food
properly and has difficulty speaking clearly. Primary teeth are
vital to development of the jaws and for guiding the permanent
(secondary) teeth into place when they replace the primary
teeth around age 6.
Since primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into place,
infants with missing primary teeth or infants who prematurely
lose primary teeth may require a space maintainer, a device
used to hold the natural space open. Without a maintainer, the
teeth can tilt toward the empty space and cause permanent
teeth to come in crooked. Missing teeth should always be
mentioned to your family dentist. The way your child cares for
his/her primary teeth plays a critical role in how he/she treats
the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally
susceptible to plaque and gum problems‚ hence the need for
regular care and dental checkups.
A Child's First Dental Visit
A child's first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her
first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to
know and becoming comfortable with a doctor and his staff. A
pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the
child at ease during future dental visits. If possible, allow the
child to sit in a parent's lap in the exam room. Children should
be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.
Why Primary Teeth Are Important
Primary teeth are important for several reasons. Foremost,
good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition.
Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits.
The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable.
Primary teeth also guide eruption of the permanent teeth.
Good Diet and Healthy Teeth
The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy,
well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food
groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental
problems. Most snacks that children eat cause cavities, so
children should only receive healthy foods like vegetables,
low-fat yogurt and cheeses, which promote strong teeth.
Infant Tooth Eruption
A child's teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as
4 months of age, the primary, or baby teeth, push through the
gums‚ the lower central incisors are first, then the upper
central incisors. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth
typically erupt by age 3, but the place and order varies.
Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the
first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues
until around age 21. Adults have 28 secondary (permanent)
teeth‚ 32 including the third molars (wisdom teeth).
Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented
by not allowing sleeping infants to breast or bottle-feed.
Infants that need a bottle to comfortably fall asleep should be
given a water-filled bottle or a pacifier. Our office is dedicated
to fighting baby bottle tooth decay. Let us know if you notice
any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child's mouth.