Dental Questions about Babies/Toddlers
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 Posted by Felicia
My current giveaway on Tooth Tissues has brought up a lot of comments like, "I didn't know I was supposed to be wiping my babies mouth out" and other dental questions about babies and toddlers. I thought it would be a good idea to address some of those questions.Here is what the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says:
Q. When should my child first see a dentist?
A: "First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
A: "First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
Q. Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?
A: The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast.
The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.
A: The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast.
The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.
Q. How can I prevent tooth decay from a bottle or nursing?
A: Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle. At-will nighttime breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begins to erupt. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. When juice is offered, it should be in a cup.
A: Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle. At-will nighttime breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begins to erupt. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. When juice is offered, it should be in a cup.
Q. When should bottle-feeding be stopped?
A: Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
A: Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
Q. Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking?
A: Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop by age 2. If your child does not, discourage it after age 4. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth, or bite problems. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.
A: Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop by age 2. If your child does not, discourage it after age 4. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth, or bite problems. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.
Q. When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?
A: The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Unless it is advised by your child’s pediatric dentist, do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2-3.
A: The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Unless it is advised by your child’s pediatric dentist, do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2-3.
Q. Any advice on teething?
A: From six months to age 3, your child may have sore gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon, or cold wet washcloth. Some parents swear by a chilled ring; others simply rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger.
A: From six months to age 3, your child may have sore gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon, or cold wet washcloth. Some parents swear by a chilled ring; others simply rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger.
Please make sure to check with your pediatrician and/or pediatric dentist with specific questions! All children are different! For instance, my dentist said that it would be fine for us to wait until Graham was closer to 2 before a visit as long as we were providing good dental care at home (brushing in the morning, after meals, and at bedtime).
January 6, 2009 6:03 PM
Some of these I didn't even know...which is sad considering I have four kids...but now I do, so thanks!
January 6, 2009 7:28 PM
Very good information
January 6, 2009 9:00 PM
Good info to post. I think Owen may grow up to be a dentist the boy is fascinated by teeth and LOVE to brush and have his teeth brushed. His dentist wants to "attempt" his first visit at 20 months. He comes with me when I take my daughter and we have discussed good habits so he wasn't concerned with seeing him early. I think sometimes people take baby teeth for granted since they are temporary.
January 7, 2009 8:53 AM
If anyone has trouble getting their kid to open their mouth to brush teeth, try an electric kids toothbrush. That's our current trick.
January 7, 2009 9:22 AM
Great info, thanks!