It is exciting to see a baby grow and develop and hit important milestones, especially when they get their first teeth. When a child gets their baby teeth in Bowmanville, they can begin to eat a greater range of foods and learn to speak. Most importantly, these baby or primary teeth act as placeholders for when the adult teeth start to erupt a few years later.
Babies Have Twenty Teeth When They are Born
Babies are born with a complete set of twenty primary teeth in Newcastle, just underneath their gums and waiting to start erupting. A baby can begin getting teeth around six months to one year, although this can vary. They generally come through in a specific order, but this can differ in some children and is not a cause for concern. Baby teeth continue to erupt until around age three, when the full set of twenty teeth should be visible in their mouth.
Baby Teeth are Vulnerable to Tooth Decay
Teeth are covered with a protective layer of dental enamel, but the enamel covering primary teeth is considerably thinner than the layer that covers adult teeth. Therefore, baby teeth are more vulnerable to developing cavities and becoming infected. These infections are caused by bacteria in the mouth. Babies are not born with these cavity-causing bacteria; instead, they are passed on from parents and caregivers when they kiss the child or share utensils. Although transferring some bacteria is inevitable, ensuring that you and those close to your baby have excellent oral hygiene will help to limit their numbers. Of course, looking after these new tiny teeth is also essential.
Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth
Ideally, you can begin cleaning your baby’s mouth before they have any teeth by gently wiping their gums with a clean damp washcloth. When the first tooth erupts, you will need to brush it gently with a soft baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of toothpaste. It’s important not to use too much toothpaste because your baby will not have the reflexes to spit out the excess.
Schedule Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment
Around age three, it’s time to schedule your baby’s first dental appointment here at West Bowmanville Family Dental. As a family-oriented dental practice in Clarington, we welcome young children and make every effort to ensure they have an enjoyable visit, so they grow up seeing dental care as a positive experience. They will also know they have a dental home where they can feel comfortable receiving dental care, and we hope for many years to come.
We like to start seeing children while they are very young, as they can get used to a new environment and learn that regular dental care is part of normal life. It helps to foster a pattern of behaviour that builds positive dental habits, helping to prevent common problems like tooth decay and gum disease. When a child is still very young, we can work directly with the parents and show you how to take care of your child’s teeth in Courtice, how to brush them thoroughly, which toothpaste to use, and importantly, how to floss them properly.
As your child grows up, they will want to begin brushing on their own, and at this point, we can begin working with them, showing them how to brush their teeth properly, and teaching them the right techniques. You will still need to supervise their toothbrushing to ensure it is done correctly, and most children will need help flossing their teeth until around age 10 when they have enough dexterity to complete this task independently.
