Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Baby Teeth: Early Care Important





Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.
Primary teeth, or "baby teeth" typically begin to appear when a baby is between six months and one year old. Primary teeth help children chew and speak. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) now recommends that a dentist examine a child within six months after the first tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday. Parents should consider a dental visit at an early age is a "well baby checkup" for the teeth.

Recent statistics from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry cite that nearly 50 percent of children will be affected by tooth decay before age five, and of the four million children born each year in the U.S., more than half will have cavities by the time they reach second grade. A child's primary teeth are as important as the permanent adult teeth, and there are recommended techniques to care for them to ensure lifelong dental health.

Besides checking for tooth decay and other problems, with an early visit your dentist can show you how to clean your child's teeth and gums properly, and how to evaluate any adverse habits such as thumbsucking. Your dentist can recommend the healthiest type of pacifier, too.

Begin cleaning your baby's mouth during the first few days after birth. Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottle before going to sleep. After every feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a clean gauze pad. This removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, and residual food that can harm erupting teeth. Starting early with this dental hygiene practice helps your baby become accustomed to a regular routine for lifelong dental care.

When teeth first come in, babies may have sore and tender gums. Gently rubbing your child's gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad can be soothing. You can also give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on. If your child is still cranky or in pain after these techniques, consult your dentist or physician.

The central incisors, or the "front teeth", are the first to come in. Usually the bottom teeth appear first. The next teeth are the lateral incisors, next to the central incisors. Over the next two years, the canine teeth (cuspids), first molars, and second molars appear. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are three years old.

As soon as teeth appear in the mouth, tooth decay can begin to occur. When your child's teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a child's size toothbrush and water. Brush the teeth of children over age two with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure they spit out the toothpaste and rinse with water. Most dentists and physicians do not recommend using fluoride toothpaste before the age of two. As brushing transitions from the parent to the child's independent activity, it's important to maintain a persistent and observant role, to be certain these good health habits continue.

A scientific paper in the journal Pediatric Dentistry revealed that children who wait to have their first dental visit until age two or three are more likely to require restorative and emergency visits. Establishing good oral health and preventive care early can save money and preserve oral health for a lifetime.

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.
Glenwood Meadows Dental
40 Market Street, Suite A
Glenwood Springs, CO  81601
970-947-1717


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