Taking Care of Baby Teeth

Babies would usually get their first tooth around four to seven months old, but among some infants, they show their first tooth at three months old, or later when they turn one. After this, teeth will start appearing one after another over a period of months, and the last teeth to appear typically come in by age three.

Baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth and it’s important to keep it healthy as temporary teeth serve the function of proper chewing and speaking. Healthy teeth will prevent tooth decay, which could affect the growth of their permanent teeth.

When the first teeth appears, simple tooth brushing can be introduced. Use a soft brush with a small head. A tiny bit of toothpaste can be used early on, and eventually it can be increased to a pea-sized amount around the age of three. Parents can help brush their child’s teeth until such a time that the child is able to do it herself.  

Aside from brushing the teeth, it is also important to take the child to see a pediatric dentist once or twice a year. The rule of thumb is to take the child to the dentist six months after the first tooth erupts because decay can occur as soon as teeth first appear.

Bringing the child to a pediatric dentist regularly doesn’t only help prevent tooth decay, but it also instills good oral habits, while helping the child along feel accustomed to the dentist and the procedure early on.