Baby’s first tooth is an exciting milestone for all parents. Teething isn’t fun but it’s a sign of healthy childhood development. Babies are born with their primary teeth formed underneath their gums, but they don’t start appearing until your baby is between six to seven months old. By your time child is three years old, he or she will usually have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
At about six years of age, your child’s jaw starts to grow and make room for their permanent adult teeth. The roots of the teeth are what anchor them to the jawbone and when permanent teeth start to come in, the roots of the baby teeth dissolve so the teeth fall out. This is why baby teeth fall out so easily.
Each baby tooth should fall out when its replacement begins to work its way in. The additional jaw growth is for the twelve permanent molars at the back of the mouth.
The question many parents have is when to begin dental care for their child. Home care should start almost immediately, even before any teeth begin to show. Right after the baby feeds, it’s best to wipe the gums, inside of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and tongue with a soft, damp washcloth. This is early plaque care. It is surprising to some that plaque forms even when no teeth are present, but it does and can be harmful if it builds up too much.
As your baby’s teeth begin to come in, you can start gently brushing them with a soft bristled toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste or any other cleaners, just the brush. Regularly check your baby’s teeth for any changes. If you notice any white or stained areas, call your dentist.
Never let your child fall asleep at naptime or bedtime with a bottle of anything other than water. Milk, fruit juice, formula, or sweetened liquids contain sugars and can cause cavities and make dental care more difficult.
Some parents wonder why caring for baby teeth is important since they are just going to fall out anyway. The answer is because the primary teeth pave the way for your child’s permanent teeth. They serve as the foundation for a healthy mouth and gums and proper positioning of permanent teeth.
Baby teeth help children chew easily, speak clearly, and build confidence with a healthy smile. They also provide structure to help shape their faces. If a baby tooth becomes broken or decayed and is left untreated, it can affect your child’s permanent teeth, cause pain, and even contribute to other health problems.
Baby teeth also hold the space for permanent teeth. If these teeth are lost too early and the space isn’t properly maintained, other teeth can move out of position, crowding into this space. This can contribute to crooked permanent teeth or block them as they come in, causing pain and the need for possible oral surgery. It also can cause a permanent tooth to erupt prematurely, which isn’t good for your child’s long-term dental health.
Be sure to seek dental care if a baby tooth is lost too early.