When do babies typically start teething. How can parents manage teething discomfort. What are the best practices for infant oral hygiene. Why are baby teeth important for development. How to use pacifiers safely for dental health.

The Importance of Baby Teeth in Child Development

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play a crucial role in a child’s growth and development. Many parents underestimate their significance, but these tiny pearly whites serve several essential functions:

• Facilitating proper eating and nutrition
• Guiding the development of jaw bones and muscles
• Acting as placeholders for permanent teeth
• Aiding in clear speech development

Understanding the importance of baby teeth can help parents prioritize their child’s oral health from an early age. By maintaining healthy baby teeth, parents can set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits and overall health.

When Do Baby Teeth Typically Emerge?

The teething process can vary significantly from one child to another, but there is a general timeline that most babies follow. On average, the first baby teeth begin to emerge around six months of age. However, it’s essential to note that some babies may start teething earlier or later than this timeframe.

Here’s a general guide to the order and timing of baby tooth eruption:

1. 6-12 months: Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth)
2. 8-13 months: Upper central incisors (top front teeth)
3. 9-16 months: Upper and lower lateral incisors (teeth next to the front teeth)
4. 13-19 months: First molars (back teeth)
5. 16-23 months: Canines (pointy teeth between incisors and molars)
6. 23-33 months: Second molars

Can babies show signs of teething before six months? Yes, some infants may exhibit teething symptoms as early as three or four months of age. These early signs can include increased drooling, fussiness, and a desire to chew on objects.

Recognizing and Managing Teething Symptoms

Teething can be an uncomfortable process for babies, and it’s essential for parents to recognize the signs and provide appropriate relief. Common teething symptoms include:

• Increased drooling
• Irritability and fussiness
• Swollen or tender gums
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Rubbing cheeks or pulling ears

How can parents alleviate teething discomfort? Here are some safe and effective methods:

• Offer a clean, chilled teething ring or toy
• Gently massage the baby’s gums with a clean finger
• Provide a cool, wet washcloth for chewing
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by a pediatrician

It’s important to note that teething gels and ointments are not recommended due to potential side effects and limited effectiveness. Additionally, teething does not cause fevers. If your baby develops a fever or shows signs of illness during teething, consult with a healthcare provider.

Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits from Birth

Proper oral care should begin even before the first tooth appears. How can parents start caring for their baby’s oral health from day one?

• Clean gums daily with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
• Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth emerges
• Use an age-appropriate toothbrush with soft bristles
• Introduce a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (rice grain-sized) around 6 months
• Gradually increase toothpaste amount to pea-sized by age 3
• Brush twice daily – morning and before bed

By establishing these habits early, parents can help prevent tooth decay and set the stage for lifelong oral health. Remember, consistency is key in developing good dental routines.

The Role of Nutrition in Early Dental Health

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in promoting strong, healthy teeth and gums. What nutritional considerations should parents keep in mind for their teething infants?

• Avoid sugary drinks and foods, especially before bedtime
• Limit juice consumption and dilute it with water when offered
• Encourage water as the primary beverage between meals
• Provide a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Ensure adequate calcium intake through dairy or fortified alternatives

Is breastfeeding beneficial for dental health? Yes, breastfeeding can contribute to better dental development and may reduce the risk of tooth decay. However, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene regardless of feeding method.

Safe Use of Pacifiers and Their Impact on Dental Development

Pacifiers can be a source of comfort for many infants, but their use requires careful consideration to prevent potential dental issues. How can parents use pacifiers safely while promoting good oral health?

• Wait until breastfeeding is well-established (usually 4-6 weeks) before introducing a pacifier
• Choose an age-appropriate, one-piece design pacifier
• Regularly inspect pacifiers for signs of wear and replace as needed
• Clean pacifiers properly and avoid “cleaning” them with your mouth
• Never dip pacifiers in sweet substances
• Begin weaning from pacifier use around age 2-4

Can prolonged pacifier use affect tooth alignment? Extended pacifier use beyond age 3 may contribute to dental misalignment and bite problems. It’s best to work with your pediatric dentist to determine the appropriate time to discontinue pacifier use for your child.

When to Schedule the First Dental Visit

Early dental visits are crucial for maintaining your child’s oral health and preventing potential issues. At what age should a child have their first dental appointment?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth emerges, whichever comes first. These early visits allow the dentist to:

• Examine the child’s oral development
• Identify any potential issues early on
• Provide guidance on proper oral care techniques
• Educate parents on nutrition and habits that affect dental health
• Help the child become comfortable with dental visits

Regular dental check-ups, typically every six months, should follow this initial visit to ensure ongoing oral health and address any concerns promptly.

Preparing Your Child for Dental Visits

How can parents make dental visits a positive experience for their children? Consider these strategies:

• Read books about going to the dentist
• Play “dentist” at home to familiarize your child with the concept
• Use positive language when discussing dental visits
• Choose a pediatric dentist experienced in working with young children
• Reward good behavior during dental visits (but avoid using sugary treats)

By fostering a positive attitude towards dental care from an early age, parents can help their children develop lifelong habits that promote oral health.

Addressing Common Concerns and Myths About Baby Teeth

Parents often have questions and concerns about their child’s dental development. Let’s address some common misconceptions:

Myth: Baby teeth don’t matter because they fall out anyway

This is a dangerous misconception. Baby teeth play a crucial role in speech development, proper nutrition, and guiding permanent teeth into place. Neglecting baby teeth can lead to pain, infections, and potential issues with permanent teeth.

Myth: Cavities in baby teeth don’t need treatment

Untreated cavities can cause pain, spread infection, and potentially damage developing permanent teeth. It’s essential to treat cavities in baby teeth promptly to maintain overall oral health.

Myth: Thumbsucking always leads to dental problems

While prolonged thumbsucking can affect tooth alignment, most children naturally stop this habit between ages 2-4 without dental consequences. If thumbsucking persists beyond age 4, consult with a pediatric dentist for guidance.

Myth: Children don’t need to floss until they have all their teeth

Flossing should begin as soon as two teeth touch each other. This helps remove plaque and food particles between teeth, preventing cavities and gum disease.

By addressing these myths and providing accurate information, parents can make informed decisions about their child’s oral health care.

The Transition from Baby Teeth to Permanent Teeth

As children grow, they’ll begin to lose their baby teeth and welcome their permanent teeth. This process typically starts around age 6 and can continue until age 12 or 13. What should parents expect during this transition?

• The first teeth to fall out are usually the lower central incisors
• Loose teeth may take days or weeks to fall out naturally
• Some children may experience mild discomfort during this process
• Permanent teeth often appear slightly yellower and larger than baby teeth
• The eruption of permanent teeth may cause temporary gaps or crowding

How can parents support their children during this transition? Here are some tips:

• Encourage gentle wiggling of loose teeth, but avoid forceful pulling
• Maintain regular dental check-ups to monitor the transition
• Continue to emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene
• Be prepared to address any concerns about appearance or discomfort
• Consider orthodontic evaluation around age 7 to identify potential alignment issues

Remember, every child’s dental development is unique. If you have concerns about your child’s tooth loss or permanent tooth eruption, consult with your pediatric dentist.

Promoting Long-term Oral Health: Beyond the Baby Teeth Years

As children grow and their permanent teeth come in, it’s crucial to continue emphasizing the importance of good oral health habits. How can parents help their children maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives?

• Reinforce proper brushing and flossing techniques
• Encourage a balanced diet low in sugary snacks and drinks
• Promote regular dental check-ups and cleanings
• Consider dental sealants to protect against cavities
• Discuss the importance of wearing mouthguards during sports
• Address any habits like nail-biting or teeth grinding
• Be a positive role model by maintaining your own oral health

What role does fluoride play in long-term oral health? Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Most community water supplies are fluoridated, but your dentist may recommend additional fluoride treatments based on your child’s individual needs.

The Importance of Early Orthodontic Evaluation

While not all children will need orthodontic treatment, early evaluation can identify potential issues and guide proper dental development. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic screening around age 7. This early assessment can:

• Identify problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth
• Guide the development of adult teeth
• Prevent more severe orthodontic problems later
• Improve facial symmetry
• Reduce the need for tooth extraction or surgical procedures

By taking a proactive approach to orthodontic care, parents can help ensure their children develop healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.

In conclusion, caring for your child’s teeth from infancy through adolescence is a crucial part of their overall health and well-being. By understanding the importance of baby teeth, recognizing teething signs, establishing good oral hygiene habits, and addressing common concerns, parents can set their children on the path to lifelong dental health. Remember, every child’s dental development is unique, so regular check-ups with a pediatric dentist are essential for personalized care and guidance.

Early teething and tooth care

How to establish good oral habits early.

Baby teeth are important for:

• Eating
• Proper jaw development
• Guiding adult teeth in place
• Speaking clearly

Most baby teeth come around six months, but sometimes earlier and babies can show signs of teething before six months of age. See the chart below for average ages of tooth development.

Coping with teething

A common sign that a new tooth is coming is increased drooling. Teething may cause discomfort, making your baby fussy. Your baby may not want to eat.

• Give your baby extra love and patience.
• Allow your baby to chew on a clean, chilled teething ring, teething toy, or clean wet face cloth.
• Teething gels and ointment are not recommended.

Teething does not cause fevers. If you have any concerns, call 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse or contact your health care provider.

Good dental health starts at birth

• From birth, even before teeth appear, wipe your baby’s gums daily with a clean, wet cloth.
• Once baby teeth appear, gently brush your baby’s teeth (once in the morning and after the last evening feeding) with a child’s toothbrush
• Use a rice grain-sized of fluoride toothpaste. As more teeth appear, gradually increase the amount of toothpaste up to a pea sized amount by the age of 36 months.

Use soothers properly

Some worry soothers can impact tooth development and growth. Here are some soother tips to start healthy dental habits early and prevent tooth decay.

• Ensure that breastfeeding is well established (no problems breastfeeding and enough milk production, usually around four to six weeks) before introducing a soother.
• Choose the right size soother for your baby’s mouth and make sure it is a one piece design.
• Check the soother nipple often – throw it away if it is sticky, cracked or torn, or if the nipple is not firmly attached.
• Sterilize the soother before first use, by boiling it in water for five minutes and let it cool completely.
• Keep the soother clean.
• Avoid licking your baby’s soother to clean it, adult mouths can transfer tooth decaying bacteria.
• Avoid dipping the soother in honey or other sweet substances that can cause tooth decay and are unsafe for young children.
• Soothers or pacifiers are not recommended once all baby teeth have grown in, usually when your child is about three years of age.
• Never tie anything to the soother to attach it or hang it from your toddler. It can be a choking hazard. Use a clip with a short ribbon attached instead.
• Parents can start to wean children off the soother as soon as possible.

Learn more about soothers and tips to wean your child from one.

When Do Baby Teeth Come In? – Growing Great Grins

When we’re born, most of us have primary (baby) teeth that are sitting, waiting, ready to burst through our gums as we grow a bit older. While baby teeth eruption dates vary from person to person, your Spring pediatric dentist has put together a guide to provide you with a rough idea of when to expect your little one’s teeth to make an appearance. 

What to Expect and When

Even though baby teeth can come in at various ages, there’s a general rule of thumb that your pediatric dentist in Spring uses to help give parents a pretty good idea. While not a hard-and-fast rule, you can typically expect about four teeth every six months after birth. Here’s the breakdown of which teeth should make their appearance when.

6-12 Months – You should typically see your baby’s first tooth or teeth between the ages of 6 to 12 months old. Usually, the two front bottom and top teeth (central incisors) will be the first ones to pop through the gums. 

10-16 Months – The central incisors’ neighbors, the lateral incisors, usually show up next. These front teeth can appear anytime but typically do so between the age of 10 months and 16 months.  

16-23 Months – Up next, the canines, also known as the “pointy” teeth, will erupt sometime between 16 months and 23 months. At the same time, some first molars (the smaller molars next to the “pointy teeth”) may also show up. 

23-33 Months – To round out the baby teeth, your child will start to see the second molars at about 23 months or 33 months.

While three years can seem like a long time for your child to get a grin full of teeth, it’s well worth the wait. Baby teeth help children eat, chew, and learn to speak properly, so when you think about it, it makes sense that these teeth develop at the same time as your child is starting to eat whole foods and beginning to say their first words. Enjoy this time while it lasts because shortly, those temporary teeth will be lost. 

Loose Teeth & Fairy Visits

Around age six or seven, you should expect your child to experience his first loose tooth. Prepare for this special occasion by talking to your child about loose teeth and encouraging him to let the tooth work itself free on its own time. As your pediatric dentist in Spring will tell you, it’s important to allow teeth to fall out naturally as this will help hold a space for the soon-to-come permanent adult tooth. 

Once you notice your child’s first teeth starting to show, it’s time to schedule his first visit with a dentist. Choosing the best pediatric dentist in Spring for your child can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Do your research, ask friends and family who they see, and read reviews. You can also call a pediatric dental office and talk to the team to make sure you get all of your questions answered. 

When the time comes, we welcome you to call us. We’ll help get you scheduled, ease any concerns you may have, and of course, get your little one started on the path of good oral health for a lifetime. 

Accepting new patients from Spring, The Woodlands, and nearby areas.

A child’s teeth grow out of order – what to do, who to contact?

The first teeth are a long-awaited and exciting event. It brings with it joy – and anxiety if it doesn’t go according to plan. Any pediatric dentist will say that teething not according to the established pattern is a variant of the norm. But parents are still worried: maybe this is an alarming symptom?

Among the reasons why teeth erupt out of order and out of time, there can really be serious illnesses: rickets, dyspepsia. But they are always accompanied by more characteristic symptoms.

For example, with rickets, the baby sweats a lot, especially in the head area, lags behind in physical development, is naughty a lot, is afraid of bright light. Dyspepsia is accompanied by a distinct disorder of the gastrointestinal tract: the child’s stool changes, severe colic is observed. It is impossible to miss these symptoms.

Therefore, problems in pediatric dentistry are not a reason to suspect a serious diagnosis.

When you should definitely not worry:

• If the family has already had a case of “wrong” teething. The timing and order of the appearance of milk teeth are genetically determined. If a child’s teeth grow out of order and the parents or grandparents had the same feature, there is nothing to worry about.
• In difficult childbirth and if the child was ill in the first days or months of life. While he is recovering, temporary problems in pediatric dentistry may appear – the body simply does not have enough resources to compensate for all birth disorders at once.
• If the child is generally healthy, eats fully and walks. This makes it possible to exclude complex disorders in the development and formation of the skeleton.

The order of appearance of teeth was formed in the course of evolution. To date, pediatric dentistry has accumulated a lot of data on this interesting topic. Marine predators have the same teeth – conical, so that it is convenient to grab slippery prey. And in land mammals, they were divided into incisors, canines, premolars and molars.

Ask a pediatric dentist to tell your child how teeth have changed depending on their purpose. Fangs served for protection, sharp incisors helped to bite off food, and powerful molars helped to chew. Depending on the species, the order of the appearance of teeth developed: for example, in puppies and wolf cubs, fangs appear first, because they are predators.

Man quickly became an omnivore, mastered hunting and farming. This is one of the answers to the question why baby teeth in children can erupt out of order. We are no longer tied to the evolutionary code, so we have many variants of the norm.

Science does not yet know the exact answer. But it is known for sure that it is impossible to influence the order of appearance of teeth. No pediatric dentist will be able to prescribe medications or procedures to make teeth fit “correctly” or to speed up their growth. The only working strategy is to wait and monitor the health of the child as a whole.

Sometimes parents are concerned not with the order, but with the timing of eruption. On average, milk teeth appear about 6 months. Deviations of three months in both directions are normal. You can show your child to a pediatric dentist if the baby got teeth at three months or did not appear at eight, but both situations fit into the norm.

Possible reasons for the delay:

• heredity;
• difficult childbirth, diseases of newborns;
• congenital or genetic diseases (always have other, more characteristic symptoms).

It is believed that the rate of appearance of teeth is influenced by the method of feeding and complementary foods. However, it has not received official confirmation in pediatric dentistry. The child needs good nutrition, and from what source is not so important.

Can teeth not erupt at all? They can. In 1% of cases, pediatric dentists diagnose congenital adentia. It is associated with ectodermal dysplasia, a serious tissue pathology, which is also accompanied by underdevelopment of hair and nails, skeletal deformity, and other noticeable problems. If your child does not have the listed signs, then the delay in teething is temporary and they will definitely appear soon.

So, the timing and order of appearance of milk teeth is very variable. And their mutual arrangement in the oral cavity is not. If your teeth grow crooked, uneven, you should contact a pediatric dentist. Crooked teeth are a sign of malocclusion, which can lead to serious problems.

Why malocclusion is harmful:

• The risk of caries increases due to the fact that adjacent teeth press against each other.
• Diction is broken, it will be difficult for a child to master sounds.
• Possible pain in the jaw area due to muscle strain.
• Smile looks unaesthetic.
• In severe cases, the oval of the face changes, headaches develop.

Most bite defects are easily corrected in a pediatric dental clinic with plates or braces. Usually, correction is started at the age of 5-6, after the change of teeth to permanent ones. But if the location of the milk teeth (milk bite) is significantly outside the norm, the pediatric dentist will offer a plate or cap.

Why correct milk bite?

• It will be easier for a child to master speech and to establish diction.
• The masticatory muscles and articulatory apparatus will develop correctly.
• Reduces the risk of misalignment of permanent teeth.

• Individual features, heredity.
• Complications during childbirth and during the neonatal period.
• Chronic diseases (always have other, more characteristic symptoms).

Let’s sum it up: the time and order of the appearance of teeth may differ from the generally accepted ones. This is normal, not dangerous and will not cause problems in the future.

It is worth contacting a pediatric dentist if the teeth grow unevenly, as this indicates an abnormal bite. The bite is usually corrected after 6 years, on permanent teeth. Milk bite is corrected only in case of severe pathologies that affect the health and development of the child as a whole.

It is possible to identify problems in time only in pediatric dentistry, where doctors have experience working with babies. It is very important not only to understand the features of the formation of the milk dentition, but also to conduct an examination carefully and accurately. Many babies are afraid of strangers, and the doctor’s approach is very important.

“Mira” is a children’s dental clinic where they work with patients of any age. We pay much attention to the comfort of our little visitors. The sooner the kid visits the dentist and makes sure that treating his teeth is not painful and not scary, the less likely it is to start health in the future. And you will be sure that we will not miss real problems and will not make a false diagnosis.

Mira is your children’s dental clinic. Contact.

7 questions about changing baby teeth. Elefantik Family Dental Clinic

7 questions about changing baby teeth

Parents worry when a child has no teeth for a long time, and then when they appear. They worry if they are few or, conversely, too many. We have collected the most important questions about the timing of the replacement of milk teeth with permanent ones, as well as possible deviations from the norm, and asked them to the winner of the Russian pediatric dentistry contest, Yulia Selyutina.

1. What to do after a baby tooth has fallen out — is it necessary to stop the bleeding somehow?
Nothing special needs to be done. After the tooth has fallen out, a blood clot forms in the socket for about 5 minutes. It promotes rapid wound healing. But it is not necessary to treat it with ointments or heat the cheek. It is also important not to rinse your mouth with anything, otherwise the clot can be accidentally removed – and then healing will take longer.

By the way, it is in order to form this clot that the doctor, after removing the tooth, applies a sterile gauze swab to the wound. It must be kept in the mouth until the bleeding stops.

Some children, after a tooth falls out, “check” the hole with their tongue all the time. There is nothing wrong with this. But make sure that they do not drag foreign objects into their mouths.

After the tooth has fallen out, it is better not to eat anything for an hour. You can give the child a drink, but not hot. And it is advisable not to chew or bite off food with the side that “lost” the tooth for a couple of days. The remaining teeth should be brushed as usual with toothpaste and brush, morning and evening.

2. Tested remedy: milk tooth is loose – tie a string to it and pull. Is it always good?
The milk tooth begins to stagger due to the fact that its roots are resorbed. This is a natural process and in most cases the “string method” can be applied. Of course, provided that the child himself is not afraid to part with the tooth in a similar way.

In addition, not all teeth are mobile enough to be removed by conventional floss. In some cases, additional efforts may be required.

If the baby tooth is mobile, and the child is not averse to loosening it, it does not hurt him, then he may well remove the tooth in this way. The main thing is that the child’s hands are clean during the “procedure”.

If there is no result for a long time, the loose tooth has not fallen out for two weeks already, it interferes with the child, and he is afraid or does not want to remove it on his own, then it is better to consult a doctor. The doctor will deal with this one or two. Sometimes even anesthesia is not required, or it is enough to anoint the gum with an anesthetic gel or spray.

3. Why do milk teeth fall out of schedule? Is there something wrong with the child?
The timing of the change of milk teeth, indicated in various tables, is conditional and highly averaged. Deviations in one direction or the other are very common, and this is not a pathology or a sign of a disease.

The main thing that affects the timing of eruption and change of milk teeth is heredity. But the connection between any general somatic diseases and an earlier or later change of milk teeth has not yet been found.

There is an additional research method – orthopantomogram. This is a panoramic picture of all the teeth of both jaws at once. Having done it, you can determine the number of all the rudiments of permanent teeth, understand how the process of resorption of the roots of milk teeth is progressing, and make predictions.

It is not necessary to conduct such a study, because it does not affect the timing of the change of teeth. However, an orthopantomogram can reassure parents or indicate a possible problem. For example, the absence of one or more rudiments of permanent teeth.

4. The baby tooth has fallen out, but the permanent one is in no hurry to replace it. When is it time to worry?
There are no critical deadlines. Sometimes you have to wait for a permanent tooth to appear for a long time. For example, due to the fact that there is simply no place for him in the jaw of a child.

A permanent tooth may not erupt at all if the child has not formed its germ. You can take a picture of the area where the tooth should appear and find out what is causing the delay.

If the tooth germ has formed and there is enough space in the jaw, be patient. Otherwise, see an orthodontist. He will make a plan for the treatment that the child may need in the future.

5. Almost all of the child’s milk teeth were replaced in elementary school. Will his constants fall out faster?
Early change of teeth is quite common, it is not a pathology, not a violation of the “norm”. And even more so, it does not mean that permanent teeth should fall out, especially early. Unlike milk teeth, which sooner or later fall out by themselves, we lose permanent teeth for some reason.

For example, due to diseases “periodontitis” or “periodontal disease”. With them, the tissue of the jaw bones dissolves and the ligamentous apparatus of the tooth is destroyed. If this happens, the teeth can become mobile and even fall out. But this is almost never the case in children.

Even if they had “bad” milk teeth, this does not mean at all that there will be problems with the permanent ones. It is important to take care of them, clean them. Sometimes the use of additional means, for example, an irrigator, is simply necessary even during the period when the teeth are still milk. Ideally, of course, your child’s oral care products should be selected by a dentist.

6. The milk tooth has not fallen out yet, it does not even stagger, but the permanent one is already growing behind it. What to do?
I believe that in such a situation, a milk tooth should be removed by a dentist. Then ask the child to try to push the permanent tooth out with his tongue in the right direction. This is where the help of your parents comes in handy. Lubricate your finger with vegetable oil and perform massage movements, pushing the tooth in the right direction. It is enough to give such a mini-massage a couple of minutes a day.

7. Should the milk bite be corrected?
Absolutely. Problems with the bite during the period when the child has milk teeth can affect the appearance of pathologies when the permanent teeth erupt.