Protecting your baby’s smile is just as important as other health care treatments for the infant. In time, their teeth will shape their eating habits and their speech. Although the first tooth typically does not break the skin of the gums until around 6-10 months of age for the baby, the more you do to prepare yourself and care for the child’s mouth, the greater the likelihood for success in the child’s oral health care in the early stages of their life.
Always make sure that your children are being fed healthy foods and served healthy drinks. Some foods and drinks can be broken down into harmful acids within our mouths. These harmful acids have the capability of eating through tooth enamel. If the child uses pacifiers, never dip them in sugary or sweet substances. Also, do not share eating utensils with the child as you can pass harmful bacteria onto them.
After your child’s first tooth has broken through the skin, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist at Allen Pediatric Dentistry for an oral examination at our office in Allen, Texas.
After the first tooth has appeared, you should begin brushing the child’s mouth. Until they are three years old, you do not need to use more than a grain-sized amount of toothpaste for each cleaning. Always use dentist-recommended toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
For more information about your child’s oral health, or to schedule a visit with Dr. Jessie Hunter, we can be reached at 972-535-8169. We look forward to making your child’s smile shine bright!