TEETHING
Normally the first tooth erupts between ages six to twelve months. Gums are sore, tender and sometimes irritable until the age of three. 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 that the tooth surface) or lines. A bottle containing anything other that water and left in an infant's mouth while sleeping can cause decay. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria, 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 start to replace the primary teeth around age six.
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.
INFANT TOOTH ERUPTION
A child's teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as four months of age, the primary or "baby" teeth push through the gums-the lower central incisors are first, then the upper central incisors. The remainders of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by the age of three, but the place and order varies.
WHY PRIMARY TEETH ARE IMPORTANT
Along with primary teeth guiding the eruption of the permanent teeth, they also allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition, and allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits. The self image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable.
A CHILD'S FIRST DENTAL VISIT
We suggest at about age two, the child comes in with a parent or a sibling and sits and watches, colors, etc. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with the doctor, the staff and the office. This observation and non-verbal learning is the main way that children learn. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future visits. We highly recommend the only prepping done, is to say "Let's go, it time to go to the dentist."
