When will your child have their first tooth?
When will he lose his first tooth?
How can I treat my child’s teeth?
Should I give fluoride?
When should I take my child to the Dentist?
My child sucks his thumb, should I be worried?
These and other questions are often asked by parents, here are some facts every parent should know about baby teeth.
Although baby teeth only last a few years, they play an essential role in your child’s dental health, both present and future. Baby teeth are necessary for chewing, talking and smiling and will maintain the space in the jaws needed for the adult dentition to take its place (which is why milk teeth often have space between them, as they are smaller than adult teeth).
On the other hand, developing an early awareness of good oral health in children (with hygiene habits and correct food choices) is the basis for good health throughout life.
1 – Calendar of eruption of baby teeth
Most children will start to have teeth between six and 12 months of age, however, there is great variability in the time when the first tooth erupts (Some children may not have any teeth until their first year or have their 1st tooth at 3 months).
This should not worry parents, however, if by 18 months this has not happened then you should consult your dentist. The first teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors around six months (which will also be the first to fall around 6 years).
The other teeth follow sequentially and most children will have all their baby teeth by the age of three.
Many children do not have any problems when teeth erupt, but others have some discomfort that can be marked. You may eventually be able to alleviate this discomfort with with paracetamol or ibuprofen syrup, but you should avoid topical gels with anesthetics.
For some reason, without any scientific support, amber necklaces are sometimes used to relieve symptoms, (and some mothers find them very cute…) Don’t do this!!! There is always a risk of strangulation so they should be banned entirely.
Milk teeth begin to fall out around the age of 6 when the first permanent teeth appear. Baby teeth should all have fallen out by age 12.
2- How to take care of baby teeth?
Taking care of baby teeth is similar to taking care of permanent ones. Brush twice a day with a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste ( in the early years the child can swallow the paste and fluor as we know can be toxic if taken in excess!) and later use of dental floss.
In newborns, even without teeth, clean the gums with a damp cloth, thus dragging potentially harmful bacteria.
When teething, use a tiny amount of paste (rice grain) for children up to three years old, after which it can be increased (pea). Brushing should be done by an adult for younger children, between 3 and 6 years old, you should help children brush their teeth for 2 minutes.
Around the age of two, the child should learn to spit while brushing (avoid giving water to rinse because this makes ingesting the paste more likely). Parents should always supervise toothbrushing until the child is 7/8 years old to ensure that it is being done correctly and that the child does not swallow the toothpaste.
As a rule, when the child manages to write his name correctly, he is also able to brush his teeth correctly.
3- First Dental Appointment
Around the age of two, in some cases around one year, your baby should have his first visit to the dentist and should thereafter be followed up annually. During this appointment, you will obviously be on your lap.
Oral hygiene instructions will be given and any problem that needs intervention will be detected.
When the permanent teeth begin to appear, the placement of sealants is indicated (varnish that isolates and fills the dental grooves of the molars, preventing caries).
The Dental Higienist works allongside with the Dentist to keep your childs teeth heathy: your Dentist will recomend when is a good time for a 1st appointment.
4- Fluoride
Fluoride is very important because it makes your child’s teeth stronger and more resistant to attack by acids present in food. It can be administered in 2 ways:
- Topical through toothpastes, varnishes and in-office application gels,
- Systemic (fluoride supplements) that is ingested and becomes part of the structure of the teeth in formation. The right dosage for each age should not be exceeded (excess fluoride can cause tooth stains).
5- Do milk teeth have roots like the adult ones?
The answer is yes, what happens is that as the permanent teeth develop and begin to erupt, they reabsorb the roots of baby teeth, which is why when baby teeth fall they apparently do not have roots.
6- Thumb sucking
Sucking your thumb or pacifier is a natural reflex that gives your baby a sense of security and helps him fall asleep. The frequency, duration and intensity of this habit will determine whether it leads to dental problems.
Usually these habits should stop between 2 and 4 years.
Children who suck their thumb after the age of 5 are applying excessive forces to their front teeth, which will project excessively forward, altering their bite. Many times these children will need orthodontic treatment.
7- Susceptibility to caries
Baby teeth are just as susceptible to decay as permanent teeth. It is very important to prevent this from appearing with a diet low in sugar and good oral hygiene habits. If there is a cavity, it must be immediately treated, to prevent contamination of other teeth and possible damadge to permanent ones in formation.
It is particularly important not to offer your baby sugary drinks in a baby bottle (fruit juices, packaged drinks, etc. This could lead to generalized cavities known as baby- bottle cavities).
Later, all sugary foods and drinks (all sugary foods, juices, gums, which includes vitamin gummies, cookies, candy, etc.) can and will erode enamel and cause cavities. If your child eats these foods, and chances are they will, they should get used to brushing their teeth after.
Don´t share your sponn with your child: an adult oral flora is different from a chid´s and you will be introducing potentiolly patogenic bacteria.
As far as Oral Healht is concerned establishing healthy habits and raising awareness during childhood is crucial for a lifetime of benefits!
