One of the most common questions I get is, “Why are baby teeth important? They are going to fall out anyway.” Primary teeth are vital for your child’s overall health and play an important role in facial growth and development. They also act as natural space maintainers and guide the eruption of the adult teeth. Decay in primary teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection and early loss of primary teeth.
Infant Oral Health
When should my child first visit the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Dental Association recommend that your child’s first pediatric dental visit should be scheduled once the first tooth erupts or by age one. At your child’s first dental visit, your pediatric dentist will perform a comprehensive exam to ensure your little one’s teeth are erupting properly. Your dentist will also review important oral health and diet practices that will minimize caries development. After your initial visit, your little one should continue to see the dentist every six months.
What is “Early Childhood Caries”(formerly known as “baby bottle tooth decay”)?
Early Childhood Caries is formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries. The condition occurs when the child is overexposed to sugary liquids. Severe early childhood caries usually occurs when the child is routinely put to bed with a bottle containing juice, soda or milk. It can also occur from allowing toddlers to “graze” with a sipper cup. Early childhood caries often destroys teeth and leads to the need for major dental treatment. The condition can potentially damage your child’s adult teeth if left untreated.
By following the guidelines listed below, you can prevent baby bottle tooth decay from occurring.
- Help your child start learning to drink from a regular cup by their first birthday.
- If your child “grazes,” only allow water in any bottles or sipper cups used.
- Clean your baby’s gums with a fresh gauze pad after each feeding.
- Begin brushing as soon as you see the first tooth.
- Never give your child a pacifier coated in sugar or dipped in honey.
- The bacteria that causes caries is transmissible, avoid sharing drinks or kissing your baby close to the mouth, especially if you have not seen your dentist for regular appointments.
How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
Ask your pediatric dentist to evaluate the fluoride levels in your child’s drinking water. If the child is not receiving adequate amounts of fluoride, your dentist may recommend supplemental fluoride.Park Smiles NYC Pediatrics does not have fluoridated water. Other drinks or foods in your child’s diet may contain fluoride. Fluoride intake will be discussed during your child’s visit.
When should I begin using toothpaste to clean my child’s teeth?
When the baby’s first tooth erupts, you can use a tiny smear of fluoridated toothpaste. When the child reaches the age of three, you can increase this amount to a pea-sized dollop. Be sure to supervise the brushing process to ensure that the child is using an appropriate amount of toothpaste. The consumption of excessive amounts of fluoride may cause staining of the teeth.