Any parents with young children will want to know how to care for their teeth properly, and good dental care begins early. Did you know that by the time a baby is born, they already have their full set of 20 primary teeth hidden underneath the gums and ready to erupt when the time is right? These primary teeth are also known as deciduous or milk teeth. Primary teeth can begin to erupt or emerge through the gums when a child is only a few months old, while in some children, these teeth may not emerge until they are a year or older. Generally, most children have around eight teeth by age one, but there is no need to worry if your child takes a bit longer. By age 3, children should have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
When to Book That First Dental Visit?
West Bowmanville Family Dental recommends parents book their child’s first dental visit by age 3. We are extremely gentle when treating younger children and are a family-oriented dental practice, so you can rest assured we will care for your child as if they were our own. Seeing a child at this young age allows us to begin caring for and monitoring their dental health, hopefully before any problems have developed. We strive hard to create a warm and welcoming environment for little ones and to ensure each visit is a positive and enjoyable experience. Above all, our dental team is here to help you and answer any questions you may have about your child’s dental care.
Why Is It Important to Care for Baby Teeth?
Although these baby teeth may only be around for a few years, they have an important role to play in your child’s health and development. You must begin caring for these teeth as soon as they arrive to prevent early tooth decay in Newcastle.
Teeth are covered by a protective layer of tooth enamel that is extremely strong, but children’s milk teeth have a thinner layer of enamel, meaning they can become more easily decayed without the proper care. Early tooth decay can cause discomfort and pain and, in the worst case, may mean the milk tooth needs extracting in Clarington.
Early tooth loss is undesirable, even though the tooth is later replaced with an adult tooth. This is because it leaves behind a gap, allowing adjacent teeth to drift toward it. When the adult tooth tries to come through, there is less available space, so consequently, it may emerge crooked and out of alignment, increasing the need for orthodontic treatment later. Baby teeth have another important purpose: they allow your child to learn to speak clearly, communicate and begin socializing with others and learn important skills. Baby teeth are also essential for eating, and young children need a varied, nutritious diet for overall health and development.
Caring for Your Child’s Teeth
Beginning a proper oral care routine while a child is still very young gets them into good dental habits that can last for life, as many common dental problems are preventable. You can begin brushing your child’s baby teeth in Courtice with a baby toothbrush that has soft bristles. We can advise on which toothpaste to use and how much, as very young children cannot spit out the excess. When you bring your child to visit us, we can discuss how to clean their teeth thoroughly, showing you techniques that will help make tooth brushing more enjoyable for you both. As your child gets more teeth, you need to begin flossing between them, and again, we can show you how to achieve this task more easily.
