Baby teeth on average start to emerge in a baby’s mouth by around six months. (But don’t worry if your child started teething much earlier, or hasn’t quite started yet. All children follow their own timeline!) For most parents, seeing a first tooth is an exciting event. A milestone has been reached; pictures are taken, grandparents called – but what happens next?
When should I go to the dentist? How often should I clean my baby’s teeth? Are baby teeth really that important?
You may not need to book an appointment with a dentist right away, but it’s a good time to start thinking about your child’s dental care options. Choosing the right family dentist is as important as choosing the right pediatrician. Your child’s dentist will most likely be a part of your lives for many years to come. Dr. Lorraine Burio, DMD and the Candlewood Dental Care team have been practicing family dental care for over 25 years in New Fairfield, Connecticut. With so much experience in family dentistry, the warm and professional staff are experts at taking care of their youngest patients and would make an excellent choice for a long-term dentist.
As for cleaning your baby’s teeth, you can simply use a wet washcloth or gauze twice a day to gently wipe the teeth and gums. When your child is between 1-18 months, you can switch to a soft toothbrush with a small droplet of fluoride-free toothpaste that is safe to swallow. At this point, your family dentist will advise you on the steps you can take to keep your baby’s mouth healthy and clean.
Baby teeth are in your child’s mouth for several years to come and just because they eventually fall out, doesn’t mean that you can ignore them until they do. Baby teeth need to be given the same attention as adult teeth and are very important because they hold the space for the adult teeth to erupt properly. Children should learn from a young age to properly care for their teeth so that future oral hygiene related issues can be prevented. Practicing good dental habits with baby teeth can ensure that your kid will be a pro by the time the adult teeth appear.
Candlewood Dental Care offers Wellness Exams for children aged 1-3 years old so if you want to stop in or if you have any questions about our practice or services, please feel free to call us at 203-746-1200 or click here to request an appointment.