Baby Teeth: What Parents Should Know

When you have a new baby, you’ll likely have a lot of questions – especially as their baby teeth start coming in. How do you properly care for baby teeth, and why is it important that your child see the dentist early on? Here are a few facts about baby teeth that will answer some of your questions.

Baby Teeth Explained

Your child will have 20 baby teeth, also known as primary teeth or temporary teeth. These teeth actually begin forming in the womb, but don’t protrude through the gums until the child is close to a year old. When your child’s permanent teeth are ready to come in, the baby teeth will fall out to make room for their adult teeth.

Caring for Baby Teeth

Before your baby’s teeth come in, the only dental care required is to wipe down their gums twice a day with a warm, damp cloth. Once baby teeth start erupting, though, you’ll have to bump this up to include a soft, small toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste.

Brushing your baby’s teeth is important to help them grow in strong and cavity-free. You should continue to brush your baby’s teeth until they’re old enough to do it themselves, and even then you should supervise to make sure they’re brushing properly.

When Should My Child See the Dentist?

Your child should see the dentist around their first birthday, or earlier if their teeth start coming in long before that. Your child’s dentist will make sure their teeth are developing properly and give you advice on how to care for them. He or she will also be able to detect potential problems like impacted teeth or tooth decay before they get out of control.

If it’s time to make your baby’s first dental appointment, bring them in to Bella Smiles! Our staff is always happy to answer any questions you might have about how to care for your baby’s teeth. Give us a call at 832-930-7858 to book an appointment today!