Your baby's teeth are an important part of his or her overall health and development. Baby teeth will help your child learn how to chew, speak, and smile. In addition, baby teeth also act as a holder in the jaw for the permanent teeth that are developing under his or her gums. If your baby loses a tooth too early, it can cause the permanent teeth to move into the open space. As a result, it will make it harder for the other permanent teeth to grow in where they are supposed to, which leads to crowded or crooked teeth. This is why it is vital to begin proper oral habits when your child is a baby.
When is an Ideal Time to Take Your Baby to the Dentist?
The best time for your baby's first dental exam is after his or her first tooth emerges or before their first birthday. At Gage Dental Care in East Los Angeles, it is referred to as a well-baby checkup. Dr. Abaian and Dr. Hanookai will check your baby's teeth for cavities and other oral problems, and they can also show you how to properly clean your baby's teeth. In addition, you can also ask them any questions that you may have about your child's oral development, such as thumb sucking or taking a pacifier.
Tips on how to Care for Your Baby's Teeth
Here are some useful tips on how to properly care for your baby's teeth:
You can start a few days after your child is born by gently wiping the gums with a clean and moist washcloth. Decay can begin as soon as your baby's teeth emerge. When your baby is about six months old, you may notice the front four teeth breaking through the gums. However, some babies won't get their first tooth until they are 12 to 14 months old.
If you child is younger than three years old, brush his or her teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, but you should only use an amount that is the size of a grain of rice. Be sure to brush them twice per day, and if your child wants to do it on his or her own, then be sure to supervise the process.
When your child is three to six years old, you can use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush twice per day. As soon as your child's teeth begin to touch, start flossing daily.
If your baby needs a well-baby checkup, or you have an older child who needs a dental checkup, contact Gage Dental Care in East Los Angeles.