Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Baby Teeth

When your child's first teeth begin to show, it’s a moment of joy and the beginning of a lifelong oral health journey. You should begin caring for your child's teeth as soon as they appear. 

Once they grow old enough, you'll need to teach them the tools they need to keep their teeth healthy. The experienced pediatric team at MyKidz Dental provides the following information about baby teeth. 

The first baby teeth 

Children tend to get their first teeth somewhere between six and twelve months of age, though every baby will be different. Some will have their first teeth by six months, while others may not even have one by their one-year birthday. 

The lower front teeth are usually the first teeth to appear, with the rest following shortly afterward. By age three, most children have had their baby teeth come through.

Brush your child's teeth twice a day

Once your baby's teeth have started appearing, brushing them twice daily is important. Not only does this prevent early decay, but it also helps your child learn about good oral care as they grow older. 

Use a rice-sized drop of fluoride toothpaste until age three, when you can increase it to the size of a pea. It's important to use fluoride toothpaste to keep the enamel strong and help prevent cavities.

Visit the dentist regularly

You shouldn’t wait for your child to have a mouth full of teeth to schedule an appointment with MyKidz Dental. In fact, you should schedule their first visit when your child has their first tooth. During their first visit, our team will check for any decay that may be present and ensure that teeth are developing properly. 

After that first visit, our team recommends bringing your child in for regular visits every six months. We will check to ensure your child's teeth and gums are healthy and set them up for a lifetime of good oral health. 

Avoid giving your child a bottle when they go to sleep 

Babies and toddlers tend to fall asleep with their bottles, and even though you may think that’s fine, it can cause many problems. Don't give your child a bottle when you put him or her to bed as it can result in baby bottle tooth decay, caused by the sugars in milk and juices eating away at the enamel of their teeth. 

If your child's first teeth have begun to appear, it's time to schedule their first appointment. Our team at MyKidz Dental can't wait to help care for and teach your child about good oral care. Contact us today, or schedule an appointment online at your nearest office in Phoenix, Arizona.