As parents, there are certain aspects of a child’s health that we learn along the way. Dental health is definitely a topic that’s important to stay on top of as our children grow. One question many parents have is when to start caring for their child’s teeth. This can be a bit of a trick question since many dental professionals will tell you to begin preventative oral health practices before their teeth even come in.
Baby’s Gums
Even before a baby’s teeth push through the gums to where they become visible, bacteria are still trying to build up. The teeth are below the surface which means they could still be affected, even if they can’t be seen. The bacteria can still cause harm to your baby’s teeth and your child’s gums can still be affected as well. It’s suggested that you start using a very soft brush on your baby’s gums to help keep bacteria and other buildup away in order to protect the unseen teeth.
When the First Tooth Shows
Around 6 months of age or when the first tooth shows up is a good time to get your baby in to see a dental professional for their first visit. When their teeth start to show is when you need to start focusing on actually brushing their teeth. Of course, this needs to be executed with a baby safe toothbrush and toothpaste. Using adult level items for your baby could cause their tender gums and tongue, harm.
Other Tips
Even if the first tooth hasn’t shown, it’s ok to take your child to a pediatric dentist in order to ensure their oral health is on track. Some children can have decayed teeth show up even if they are newly pushing through the gum. A child’s oral health is just as important before teeth come through as it is when teeth finally begin to push through the gums. If a child has good oral health when teeth start to push through, teething can be a bit easier.
If you think your child might be having issues, even before their teeth are showing up, don’t hesitate to go see a pediatric dentist. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Thankfully, a child’s baby teeth will be replaced, however, if their baby teeth aren’t in good shape, this could cause many issues down the road. A child’s baby teeth are important to development in that they need them to learn to chew properly, to begin solid food on schedule, and to ensure the proper nutrition for their growing little body. This is why just as much importance is put on children’s oral health at every stage of growth.