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- When your child\u2019s teeth begin to come in, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and water. A baby\u2019s front four teeth usually push through the gums at about\u00a06 months of age, although some children don\u2019t have their first tooth until 12 or 14 months.<\/li>\n
- For children older than 2, brush their teeth\u00a0with a pea-sized amount of\u00a0fluoride toothpaste. Be sure they spit out the toothpaste.<\/li>\n
- Until you\u2019re comfortable that your child can brush on his or her\u00a0own, continue to brush\u00a0your child’s\u00a0teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. When your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin\u00a0flossing their teeth daily.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Teething<\/b><\/p>\n
Teething\u00a0is one of the first rituals of life. Although newborns usually have no visible teeth, most baby teeth begin to appear generally about six months after birth. During the first few years of your child\u2019s life, all 20 baby teeth will push through the gums and most children will have their full set of these teeth in place by age 3.<\/p>\n
Fluoride<\/b><\/p>\n
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources, including oceans, rivers\u00a0and lakes. Fluoride is also added to some community tap water, toothpastes and mouth rinses. Infants and toddlers who do not receive an adequate amount of fluoride may be at an increased risk for tooth\u00a0decay since fluoride helps make tooth enamel more resistant to decay. It also helps repair weakened enamel.<\/p>\n
First Dental Visit<\/b><\/p>\n
As soon as your child\u2019s first tooth appears, it\u2019s time to schedule a dental visit. The ADA recommends that the first dental visit take place within six months after the first tooth appears, but no later than a child\u2019s first birthday. Don\u2019t wait\u00a0for them to start school or until there’s\u00a0an emergency. Get your child comfortable today with good mouth healthy habits.<\/p>\n
Although the first visit is mainly for the dentist to examine your child\u2019s mouth and to check growth and development, it\u2019s also about your child being comfortable. To make the visit positive:<\/b><\/p>\n
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- Consider making a morning appointment when children tend to be rested and cooperative.<\/li>\n
- Keep any anxiety or concerns you have to yourself. Children can pick up on your emotions, so emphasize the positive.<\/li>\n
- Never use a dental visit as a punishment or threat.<\/li>\n
- Never bribe your child.<\/li>\n
- Talk with your child about visiting the dentist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
During this visit, you can expect the dentist to:<\/b><\/p>\n
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- Inspect for cavities, oral injuries or other problems.<\/li>\n
- Let you know if your child is at risk of developing tooth decay.<\/li>\n
- Clean your child\u2019s teeth and provide tips for daily care.<\/li>\n
- Discuss treatment, if needed, and schedule the next check-up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Eruption Charts<\/strong><\/p>\n
Teeth vary in size, shape and their location in the jaw. These differences enable teeth to work together to help you chew, speak and smile. They also help give your face its shape and form. They are then shed at various times throughout childhood. By age 21, all 32 of the permanent teeth have usually erupted. Below are some charts to help you track the changes and progress in your child\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n
Primary Teeth Eruption Chart<\/strong><\/p>\n
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