Questions All Parents Want Answered About Their Baby's Teeth

You may not see them, but they are there. Your baby's teeth start forming in the womb. Your baby's first tooth will usually come in somewhere between four and eight months. The question is – how much do you really know about your baby's teeth?

How Important is Brushing Baby Teeth?

One of the important milestones for parents is when their baby's first tooth comes in. The moment that first tooth comes in, is the moment you want to start brushing your child's teeth. Use a toothbrush with a large handle, a small head, and soft bristles. You do not want to use toothpaste until your child understands how to spit the toothpaste back out instead of swallowing it.

When Should My Baby Have Their First Dentist Appointment?

The general rule of thumb is to take your children to their first dental appointment by their first birthday or six months after their first tooth erupts (whichever comes first). Taking your child to the dentist is vital in preventing tooth decay and dental phobia. If you get your child used to going to the dentist at an early age, he/she is less likely to be afraid of the dentist. After the first appointment, your child should see a dentist every six months for a routine checkup.

Is Tooth Decay Really a Chronic Childhood Disease?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that the most common chronic childhood disease is tooth decay, and is actually 20 times more common that diabetes. Tooth decay can begin as soon as the first tooth comes up through the gums. Tooth decay is a result of bacteria in the mouth eating away at their teeth. One of the most common causes of baby tooth decay is putting your child to bed with a bottle, also known as baby bottle tooth decay. No matter if the bottle has milk or juice, you don't want to give them a bottle to take to bed at nap time or bedtime.

Is A Pacifier Safe for Your Baby?

Many parents rely on pacifiers to soothe and calm them when they are fussy or crying. The good news is that you can use a pacifier to calm your little one, at least for the first three years without concern for dental problems, according to the American Family Physician. However, continued use of a pacifier after the age of three can cause problems with things like teeth alignment.

As a parent, it is your job to be well-informed when it comes to your child's teeth. You are responsible for protecting your child from tooth decay and cavities. You are also responsible for teaching your child how to take care of his/her teeth. To find out more, visit a website like http://suncoastdental.com.