Although we all know that baby teeth are only temporary, they are still incredibly important for your child’s health and development. Today we’re covering Baby Teeth 101: Answering your questions such as when do baby teeth come in, why are they important, and more!
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
As many of us know, babies are born without teeth. So when do baby teeth come in? At around four to 12 months of age (typically around six months), you’ll begin to see baby teeth erupt. Babies’ bottom teeth are typically the first teeth to come through—we don’t know exactly why, but it may be because there is less bone density in the lower jaw than the upper jaw, making it easier for these teeth to pop. Teeth will continue to come in until age three, when toddlers typically have a full set of 20 baby teeth. Eventually, they typically fall out in the order that they came in.
How Do I Know if My Baby is Teething?
Teething symptoms typically include babies being more fussy than normal, drooling, chewing on objects, and experiencing mild gum discomfort to the touch. Growing teeth is no joke! To help them feel better, you can give babies things like chilled silicone toys, gently massage their gums, and give them lots of cuddles and support.
Brushing Baby Teeth and More
How does one care for baby teeth? As soon as a baby tooth erupts, did you know you can start brushing their teeth? To start, you’ll want to use a small soft-bristled toothbrush and water, twice a day. Around age 2 you can usually start to introduce small amounts of fluoride toothpaste.
Can Baby Teeth Get Cavities?
The short answer is yes! Baby teeth can decay just like adult teeth. You can learn more about this and a common phenomenon called Sippy Tooth Decay here. Baby cavities can be a problem as they can infect adult teeth below/above, so it’s important to make sure you do what you can do take care of their oral health.
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
Not only are baby teeth placeholders for adult teeth later on, they also help with your child’s development and wellbeing. When baby teeth come in and are taken care of, they will help you child chew their food properly, helping them to better digest their meal. Baby teeth will also assist speech development.
When Should I Take My Baby to the Dentist?
You can take your child to a pediatric dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in! Most parents bring their children in by one year of age. The sooner you start bringing your baby to the dentist, the easier it will be for your dentist to help them be comfortable in a dental office and find issues that can be caught early. Your first trip to a pediatric dentist will likely include a gentle dental exam, advice for preventative dentistry, and education for baby teeth.
Looking for a Pediatric Dentist in Bloomington, MN or St. Louis Park, MN?
Looking to establish dental care for your toddler? We’re a pediatric dentist with locations in Bloomington, MN and St. Louis Park, MN and would love to help you and your family. You can learn more about dentistry for kids here. You can make an appointment online and we’d be happy to help teach your littles important oral health habits.