If you’re a first-time parent, you probably feel both excited and anxious. You have a new bundle of joy, on the one hand, which is lovely. On the other, though, you may not know how best to care for them. Luckily, your dentist can help you with (at least) one aspect of babyhood – your tot’s pearly whites! To that end, here’s a guide to things a parent should know about their little one’s baby teeth.
Baby Teeth are Sensitive to Decay
As you might know, baby teeth are naturally smaller than adult ones. However, that’s not the only difference – they’re also more susceptible to decay.
You see, these chompers have a thinner layer of enamel than the other set. Consequently, it’s easier for them to develop cavities. As bacteria digest sugar into acid, the latter doesn’t have to erode a tooth as much before it makes a hole.
Given this fact, brush your child’s teeth twice daily as soon as the first one appears. In particular, do so with a tiny smear of toothpaste – one the size of a pea. You should also time the brushing around meals, especially after the day’s last food or drink.
Add Fluoride to a Baby’s Diet at 6 Months of Age
Perhaps you’ve heard of fluoride, a mineral that prevents tooth decay. Well, you should start adding the stuff to your baby’s diet once they reach six months old.
The good news is that it’s often added to tap water. So, give your baby a few ounces of water in a sippy or straw cup once you start them on solid foods. Don’t use bottled brands, though, as these typically don’t have fluoride.
If necessary, chat with your pediatrician about this option. One good idea is to ask them if your tap water has fluoride or whether your child needs supplements.
Book a Dental Visit for a Baby’s First Tooth
You should take your child to the dentist after their first tooth erupts or by age one. In doing so, you’ll reduce their risk of cavities with various preventive measures. Furthermore, a pediatric dentist can give you tips on how to care for your child’s teeth.
After your child’s first visit, they should return every six months unless their dentist recommends returning more often. They can also provide treatment swiftly if any issues develop.
As you can see, handling baby teeth with the right guidance is possible. So, remember the items above so you’ll be prepared!
About the Practice
Glen Ellyn Pediatric Dentistry is based in Glen Ellyn, IL. Led by our highly-experienced children’s dentists, our practice will make your tyke’s smile healthy and beautiful. To that end, we offer preventive, restorative, and emergency dental treatments, as well as sedation services. You can even trust us to help with teething tots’ baby teeth. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (630)-858-8755.