Your child’s first set of teeth, often called the baby teeth or primary teeth, play an incredibly important role in their oral health and development—even though they’re destined to lose them! These tiny teeth help your little one chew, speak clearly, and smile confidently; however, as a parent, you might not be sure what to expect, or might be searching for ways to comfort your child while they’re teething. Here’s what your child’s pediatric dentist wants you to know about their incoming pearly whites.
The Importance of Healthy Baby Teeth
Most children begin teething between 6 and 12 months, with the bottom front teeth usually making an early appearance and the back ones coming in afterwards. By age three, most kids will have their full set of 20 baby teeth. Healthy primary teeth keep your child comfortable, support speech development, and most importantly, hold space for the adult teeth. Baby teeth are also smaller and have a thinner layer of enamel compared to adult teeth, meaning that they can just as easily get cavities.
Luckily, you can keep these teeth protected from dental issues by taking a proactive approach. Even before the first tooth appears, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft cloth or your clean finger after feeding sessions. Once their teeth begin to appear, brush twice daily with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste and a brush designed for infants. As your child grows older and they begin taking care of their own smile, be sure that they’re brushing and flossing properly so that they develop healthy habits for when their adult teeth arrive.
Tips for Helping Your Child Through the Teething Process
Teething is notorious for causing drama, and you may notice your child drooling, acting extra fussy, or wanting to chew on objects, all in an effort to curb their discomfort. There are many things you can do to help your child through this process, including:
- Gently massage their gums with a clean finger or cloth to relieve pressure.
- Offer them a clean, chilled (not frozen) teething toy for them to gnaw on. A soft, damp washcloth can also be used.
- Keep drool under control with bibs to prevent skin irritation.
- Provide emotional reassurance—sometimes this can make the biggest difference!
Watching your child’s first teeth come in is an exciting milestone. With a little knowledge, as well as the right care, you can help your little one through this process and set the stage for a lifetime of happy smiling!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served families in Nashua and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide variety of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, including infant dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog, teething, or anything else about your child’s smile, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment for them at our office, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (603) 880-5002.