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Find Out When To Start Brushing Your Child’s Baby Teeth

February 01, 2019 ABC Children's Dentistry

A baby’s first tooth can trigger a rush of excitement in parents who have grown accustomed to their child’s drooling. While baby teeth may be small, it’s crucial that you take good care of them.

In this issue, the San Diego child dentistry experts with ABC Children’s Dentistry will provide you with the information you need to provide the right level of care for your child’s baby teeth.

When should my child’s baby teeth appear?

Most children are born with twenty (20) primary teeth in their jaws. In most cases, the baby teeth will begin to appear when the child is between six (6) months to one (1) year in age.

Are baby teeth that important?

They sure are. Your child’s baby teeth act as anchors – or placeholders – along the jaws until the permanent teeth come in. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a permanent tooth can grow into that empty space, which in turn can get in the way of the other older teeth when they come in.

When can I start brushing my child’s baby teeth?

Even before the first baby tooth arrives, you can care for your child’s gums by gently wiping them with a soft, dampened washcloth twice a day.

As for brushing your child’s first baby tooth, you can do that as soon as it shows itself. Just follow these steps:

  • Select a toothbrush that has a small, soft head and a large handle with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval on its packaging
  • Use a rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste
  • Gently brush all around your child’s baby tooth
  • Continue with twice daily brushings until your child is old enough to hold the brush handle

When should I schedule my child’s first dentist office visit?

Your child is ready to for an appointment with a pediatric dentist as soon as the first baby tooth is seen, but certainly no later than the first birthday.

Ready to schedule your child’s first dental appointment? Call ABC Children’s Dentistry in San Diego

We’re all about introducing, creating and delivering dental care to your child in a gentle, non-threatening and fun environment. Our customized approach will fit the unique individual dental needs of your child.

Call us at 858-780-9794, send us an email or reach us online.

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