Baby Teeth
We support healthy teeth from a very young age – the first birthday!
The primary, or baby, teeth (sometimes referred to as deciduous teeth) are the first set of teeth that an infant develops. And they’re as important as permanent adult teeth.
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
By the time they’re three years old, most children have their full set of 20 baby teeth. On average, they begin to appear in the mouth around six months. When they first come in, it’s not unusual for many babies to experience tender or sore gums. If you rub a clean finger, a wet gauze pad, or a cool spoon gently over the baby’s gums, it can help soothe them. You can also try letting them chew on a teething ring. If your child is still in discomfort and cranky, bring them in to the office so we can have a look.
Why baby teeth are so important
You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of baby teeth. They help children to chew, of course, but they also help them to speak. Additionally, they hold space in the baby’s jaws for the permanent teeth that will come. Taking care of baby teeth is vital, even if they will eventually come out.
If a baby tooth comes out too early, it can cause alignment issues for the permanent teeth. If a baby’s tooth is loose from decay or gets knocked out, we encourage you to see your dentist as soon as you can to ensure the permanent teeth come in as they should. If it’s left, the permanent teeth will drift into the gap. This makes it challenging for the adult teeth to find room when they’re ready to come in, resulting in crooked or crowded teeth.
When Should I Start Taking My Child to the Dentist?
Starting your infant off early with good dental care can help protect their dental health for decades to come. We recommend you bring your child to a dentist for an exam within six months after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday.
Consider these early dental visits your child’s “well-baby checkup” for their teeth. In addition to checking for tooth decay and other possible issues, the dentist can demonstrate how to clean your child’s teeth properly. They’ll also evaluate any adverse habits such as thumbsucking.