Care For Your Child's Teeth!

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Care For Your Child's Teeth!

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Facts About Your Baby's Teeth

Healthy Baby When your baby is born, the first set of teeth are almost completely formed inside the jaws and under the gums. At this time the permanent teeth are just beginning to form.

Highlights

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Care For Your
Child's Teeth!

Your baby's first set of teeth are important for the following reasons:

	Chewing of food to help develop bones and muscles.
	Giving your baby a nice appearance and smile.
	Helping your baby learn to talk.
	Saving space for the permanent teeth to grow in straight.
	You should keep your baby's teeth clean as soon as they erupt.
	Fluoride is one of the most important factors in preventing tooth decay. Because the amount of fluoride in water varies with each community and with different sources of drinking water, you should consult your pediatric dentist for advice regarding your child's need for fluoride supplementation.
	Many of a baby's dietary habits, likes and dislikes are formed during the first two years of life, a time when the parents have the greatest influence over the diet.

Your baby's dental development

Although the first tooth appears around six months of age, the baby's first set of primary teeth ("baby teeth") are nearly completely formed at birth. Birth also marks the beginning of the formation of a baby's permanent teeth. This process will continue for the next 13 years or so. During tooth formation, proper health and an optimal fluoride program offer the best chance for healthy teeth. Your pediatric dentist can assist you in promoting optimal dental development.

Teething

The eruption of the first few teeth is sometimes associated with symptoms and is referred to as "teething." Symptoms of sore gums, restlessness, irritability and disruption of eating and sleeping habits may be present, which may upset the digestive system resulting in loose stools. However, serious health problems do not arise from teething. A sick child should be evaluated by a physician and not be passed off as "just teething." If your infant experiences difficulties, contact your pediatric dentist for advice and recommendations for proper management.

Your baby's diet

Once teeth have erupted, the bacteria present can produce acid from the sugars that are present in the diet. Frequent sugar intake and sugary foods that remain in the mouth for prolonged periods of time are the greatest causes of tooth decay.

Bottle feeding

Both formula and milk contain sugar which can be harmful once teeth start erupting. It is important to avoid letting your baby develop the habit of sleeping with a bottle at night or at naptime. The bottle should be used for feeding purposes only and should not be used as a pacifier.

Breast feeding

While you are nursing it is important to maintain a well balanced diet. The severe form of tooth decay called "nursing caries" which results from the improper use of the bottle can occur with improper breast feeding practices as well. Once teeth have erupted, it is important to follow a reasonable feeding schedule and to avoid prolonged feedings. Avoid allowing the infant to nurse all night, which can occur when sleeping with the infant.

Solid foods and snacks

Between three and six months of age, you will gradually be introducing your baby to solid foods. Dietary habits are established during the first few years. Choose foods carefully, avoiding those that contain large amounts of added sugar. Vegetables and fruits contain all the natural sugar your baby needs. The ingredients listed on commercial baby food labels appear in order of usage. Therefore, it is easy to select store bought foods that do not include added sugar as a major ingredient. It is not necessary or desirable to add sugar to baby foods. If you prepare your own baby foods do not add sugar or salt.

Snacks for toddlers and older children should be low in sugar and should not be sticky foods that remain in the mouth for long periods of time such as chewy candies and raisins. Foods such as vegetables, fruits, cheese and unsweetened fruit juices are readily accepted by children who have not previously formed the habit of eating snacks.

Thumb sucking

Sucking is a natural and normal desire and need for the infant. Considerable satisfaction is derived from sucking during the first year of life, and should not be discouraged if the infant has chosen to do so. If the habit persists past four or five years of age you should consult your pediatric dentist for advice regarding it's effect on oral development, if any, and recommendations for management.

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