What the Pros Say About Caring for Your Child’s Baby Teeth

Being a parent is tough. You have a lot to think about, and your child can go through a lot of changes in a short amount of time. New baby teeth, for instance, can cause some distress for both you and them. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident, so check out what the pros say about caring for your child’s baby teeth.

Baby’s First Dental Appointment

Since baby teeth are only temporary, you might be unsure about when you should start taking your child to the dentist. As soon as their first baby tooth grows in, it’s time to schedule an appointment! Baby teeth are super important for healthy oral development and language skills, so it’s a good idea to have your pediatric dentist check on them every now and then.

Oral Hygiene

Part of caring for your child’s baby teeth is gently brushing their new pearly whites. Even if they only have one tiny tooth, brushing it twice per day can help protect their smile from bacteria build up.

Something you want to avoid is sharing spoons and toothbrushes with your little one. It might be convenient, but research shows that parents can spread their own cavity bacteria this way.

What to Do About Fluoride

Kids are infamous for developing cavities. Fluoride can help protect their precious pearly whites, but is it safe for infants?

There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding fluoride. To clear things up, know that it would take a lot of toothpaste to upset your kiddo’s stomach. They might not be ready for a fluoride treatment yet, but it’s safe to dab a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste on your baby’s toothbrush.

Teething Tips

It’s uncomfortable when baby teeth start emerging above the gumline (which might be why most people don’t remember the experience). You don’t want to see your child in pain, so what can you do? Some teething toys are safe – just steer clear of anything containing benzocaine, which has several FDA warnings going against it. Gently massaging their gums with a clean finger or letting them chew on something cold are other good solutions.

When in doubt about your child’s dental care, call your dentist or schedule an appointment! They’ll be happy to check in on your little one’s new smile and provide you with more useful tips.

About the Practice

Dr. Frank Marchese and his daughter Dr. Jeanelle “Nellie” Marchese treat patients of all ages at Arbor Dental Care. Gentle and friendly, you can trust these two dental experts to take good care of your child and their smile. If you have questions or concerns about your little one’s oral health, contact Dr. Frank and Dr. Nellie’s office 630-969-2310.