Submitted by Thomas Hall, DMD and Sara Rauen Dardis, DDS, MS, Pediatric Smiles of Bloomington
Baby teeth. Bright, shiny, and white! They begin forming in the womb and are just under the gums waiting to appear. Front teeth erupt between six months and one year of age and eventually begin falling out around six years of age. Back baby teeth erupt between two to three years of age. The last of these teeth are not shed until age 12 or after. We have baby teeth for a relatively short period of time, yet it is very important to take care of them. Consider these facts about baby teeth:
- They are essential for helping babies chew and process food.
- They are crucial for proper speech development.
- They serve as placeholders for the adult teeth that are forming under the gum line.
- Good dental habits formed in early childhood provide the foundation for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth and gums.
Did you know that baby teeth are susceptible to cavities? In fact, nearly 50 percent of children will develop some form of tooth decay before the age of five. Decay occurs when sweetened liquids, including natural sugars in drinks like milk and fruit juice, are left on the teeth and gums. The sugars combine with oral bacteria and begin their attack, which leads to decay. If left unattended or untreated, the decay will cause pain and possibly infection.
Good oral hygiene can go a long way in preventing problems and should begin even before that first gleaming white tooth appears. Here are some simple tips:
- From birth, wipe the baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth after each feeding.
- Begin brushing with a gentle toothbrush at the sight of the first tooth. Use a toothpaste without fluoride until children are able to spit out the toothpaste—usually around two years old.
- Include brushing as part of the daily routine twice a day. Encourage young ones to handle the toothbrush themselves, but parents will need to help out and guide the brushing motion until children can do it properly themselves, usually around eight years of age.
- Do not allow children to fall asleep with anything except water in a bottle or sippy cup.
Dental care providers are also essential partners in forming a lifetime of smiles. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that the first dental visit should occur within six months of the first tooth’s appearance but no later than the child’s first birthday. One of the purposes of this first visit is so your child will be comfortable seeing the dentist and look forward to future appointments. By forming an early relationship with the dentist, together you can partner to ensure your child’s oral health is well cared for.
A lifetime of healthy smiles begins at birth. Following these few, simple steps will build a strong foundation for healthy habits, healthy teeth, and a great smile!
Pediatric Smiles of Bloomington is a specialized dental office for children 0–18 and special needs patients. They are located at 1112 Trinity Ln. in Bloomington and may be reached at 309-663-7339. Ask about their “No-Cavity Club” and the rewards kids may earn.
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