Taking care of children’s teeth is a responsibility of all parents. But before parents assume this
responsibility all parents must ask themselves – Do I know enough about my children’s teeth?
Well! Fret no more. We are here to demystify baby teeth for young parents. These are some of the
things that ADA recommends all parents must know about their children’s teeth.
Are babies born with teeth?
All babies are born with 20 teeth hidden beneath their gums. There is no fixed age when these teeth start coming out but the age ranges from 6 months to one year. Most children get their full set of milk teeth by the time they celebrate their 3rd birthday.
Do I start brushing teeth of my children the moment they appear?
The answer is yes. Make sure you start brushing the teeth of your tiny tot as soon as the first tooth appears. Taking good care of baby teeth can prevent tooth decay.
How much toothpaste should I use for a small child?
Use the following measures depending on the age of the child –
a. < 2 years – grain sized.
b. From 2 to 4 years – pea sized.
c. 5 and above – bean sized.
Is thumb sucking bad for teeth?
Thumb sucking can impact the alignment of your child’s teeth. Ideally thumb sucking should stop between the ages of 2 to 4. Talk to your family dentist.
Do kids also need to floss their teeth?
Absolutely. You can do the flossing for your children till they are old enough to do it for themselves.
Is there a special toothbrush or toothpaste one should use?
Fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush having ADA seal and acceptance is best.
Some other things that parents must do/ avoid include-
– Never put a baby to sleep with a bottle. Even breast milk can cause teeth decay.
– Avoid sugary drinks and make sure the only beverage your child is drinking is water. Even better
if the water is fluorinated.
– Use soft bristled toothbrushes and do not be hard on teeth and gums.
– Make sure to schedule a dental visit for your child as soon as the first tooth appears and not later
than baby’s first birthday.
Hope we have managed to put some of your anxieties and doubts regarding your baby’s teeth to rest. If you wish to know more you can call us on 940-274-3229 and schedule an appointment. Follow us on Instagram @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx for offers, deals and more. We accept all major insurance providers.