Your child’s babyhood won’t last forever and neither will their baby teeth. Yet those primary teeth will be there for most of childhood and they’ll set the stage for the permanent teeth that follow. That’s why it’s important to care for them just as you care for your grown-up teeth.
Your child will have 20 baby teeth; the first set usually appears at around six to nine months. They may have four or even more by the time their first birthday rolls around. And that’s just when the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends you bring them in for their first dental examination. Your dentist can check for cavities and proper tooth development, teach you how to clean tiny teeth effectively, and help them get started on the lifelong practice of good oral hygiene.
By the age of two, as more teeth are erupting in the mouth, it’s time to establish a regular daily brushing routine. A small, soft-bristled toothbrush with just a tiny dab of toothpaste is best. From that point until age six or so, your child may need help learning to brush properly. This is just the time for you to lay down a foundation of beneficial oral health habits that will carry through their lifetime.
Your child will have 20 baby teeth; the first set usually appears at around six to nine months. They may have four or even more by the time their first birthday rolls around. And that’s just when the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends you bring them in for their first dental examination. Your dentist can check for cavities and proper tooth development, teach you how to clean tiny teeth effectively, and help them get started on the lifelong practice of good oral hygiene.
By the age of two, as more teeth are erupting in the mouth, it’s time to establish a regular daily brushing routine. A small, soft-bristled toothbrush with just a tiny dab of toothpaste is best. From that point until age six or so, your child may need help learning to brush properly. This is just the time for you to lay down a foundation of beneficial oral health habits that will carry through their lifetime.
– from Karin S. (Dental Assistant)