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 Teething
Normally the first tooth erupts between ages 6 to 12 months. Gums are sore,
tender and sometimes irritable until the age of 3. Rubbing sore gums gently
with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps
soothe the gums. Teething rings work well, but avoid teething biscuits-they
contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.
While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor the teeth for signs
of baby bottle decay. Examine the teeth, especially on the inside or the tongue
side, every two weeks for dull spots (whiter than the tooth surface) or lines.
A bottle containing anything other than water and left in an infant's mouth
while sleeping can cause decay. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes
with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel.
Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for
about 20 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid. During sleep,
the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child's
teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids.
Infant's New Teeth
The primary, or “baby,” teeth play a crucial role in dental development.
Without them, a child cannot chew food properly and has difficulty speaking
clearly. Primary teeth are vital to development of the jaws and for guiding
the permanent (secondary) teeth into place when they replace the primary teeth
around age 6.
Since primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into place, infants with missing
primary teeth or infants who prematurely lose primary teeth may require a space
maintainer, a device used to hold the natural space open. Without a maintainer,
the teeth can tilt toward the empty space and cause permanent teeth to come
in crooked. Missing teeth should always be mentioned to your family dentist.
The way your child cares for his/her primary teeth plays a critical role in
how he/she treats the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally susceptible
to plaque and gum problems-hence, the need for regular care and dental checkups.
A Child's First Dental Visit
A child's first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her 4th birthday.
The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable
with a doctor and his staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust
and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. If possible, allow
the child to sit in a parent's lap in the exam room. Children should be encouraged
to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.
Why Primary Teeth Are Important
Primary teeth are important for several reasons. Foremost, good teeth allow
a child to eat and maintain good nutrition. Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation
and speech habits. The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable.
Primary teeth also guide eruption of the permanent teeth.
Good Diet and Healthy Teeth
The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced
diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid)
cavities and other dental problems. Most snacks that children eat cause cavities,
so children should only receive healthy foods like vegetables, low-fat yogurt
and cheeses, which promote strong teeth.
Infant Tooth Eruption
A child's teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as 4 months of
age, the primary or “baby” teeth push through the gums-the lower
central incisors are first, then the upper central incisors. The remainder
of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3, but the place and order varies.
Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars
and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 21. Adults
have 28 secondary (permanent) teeth-32 including the third molars (wisdom teeth).
Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented by not allowing
sleeping infants to breast or bottle-feed. Infants that need a bottle to comfortably
fall asleep should be given a water-filled bottle or a pacifier. Our office
is dedicated to fighting baby bottle tooth decay. Let us know if you notice
any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child's mouth.
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