Did you know that babies are born with their teeth?  

Their teeth, however, only start to erupt between 6 and 12 months of age. Usually, the middle-lower teeth or central incisors come in first. But every baby is unique and so is their teething journey. 

It’s adorable to see your little one flashing their tiny first tooth, but it can also be a challenging period for you. Teething may come with discomfort, but it’ll pass.  

In this post, we talk about the importance of baby teeth and how you can care for them. 

The importance of baby teeth 

Each primary tooth has a role to play in your child’s mouth development. Even though they will fall out and be replaced, they’re still very important in helping your child speak, smile, and chew. They also hold the space for adult teeth.  

Premature loss of baby teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, resulting in bite issues,  crowding, and crooked teeth.  

Help your child enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles by starting them early with good oral hygiene  habits.  

Relief for teething discomfort 

Babies may feel discomfort or pain once their teeth start to come in. Their gums may feel tender and swollen, and you may notice them drooling more than usual. Here are some tips to help them feel better. 

● Massage their gums gently using a clean, wet washcloth or your fingers.

● Give your baby teething rings (free of choking hazards) under supervision. 

● Refrain from using teething necklaces or teethers with small parts that may break off, as well as teething gels or tablets.  

● Consult your pediatrician if your baby comes down with a fever. Teething may cause the body’s temperature to slightly rise, but higher temperatures may be a sign of another issue. 

How to care for your baby’s teeth 

Care for your baby’s teeth even before they come in. 

● Clean your baby’s gums regularly using a clean, damp washcloth. 

● Don’t let your baby sleep with their bottle in their mouth. This can lead to decay.  

● You may start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they come in with an age-appropriate soft-bristled toothbrush. 

● Use a safe-to-swallow fluoride toothpaste, but consult with your dentist first on the right amount of toothpaste and brushing frequency. 

● Children under 3 years should only use a smear of toothpaste. Children aged 3-6 can use a pea-sized amount. 

● Supervise your child’s brushing until they can spit and rinse their mouth on their own.  Keep track of the amount of toothpaste they’re using.  

● Do not dip pacifiers in sweets.  

● Thumb-sucking and pacifier use may bring comfort to your baby, but after age 4 can negatively impact their oral health. 

● Encourage your child to stop thumb-sucking or pacifier use after age 4, but don’t  pressure them too much.  

● If your child won’t stop, seek advice from your family dentist.  

When to start taking your baby to the dentist 

Try to schedule your baby’s first visit to the dentist once their teeth come in. Not to worry as your dentist won’t perform any treatments yet. Instead, they’ll take a look at how your baby’s teeth and mouth are developing. They’ll also offer advice on proper oral hygiene habits.

Going to the dental office as early as possible also gets children used to the environment and prevents dental-related fears or anxieties.  

Do you have other questions about baby teeth? Contact Metro Dental today at (587) 355-2524.  We’re happy to listen and help!