If you have welcomed a little one into your family, there might be a lot of questions in your mind to ensure the baby is healthy. Baby teeth are also called milk teeth or deciduous teeth and are a pretty important milestone in a baby’s growth. They are delicate and hence require your attention and care.
You might neglect them, thinking they are going to fall off anyways, but they are vital for the baby as they continue to grow. If this is your first time raising a baby, you might want to know the patterns or collect as much information as possible to ensure they are healthy. If you are from Maryland and are concerned about your baby’s oral health, you can contact the pediatric dentist in Fairland, MD.
4 Baby teeth facts that every parent must know
Baby teeth are most vulnerable to cavities or decay, and you must ensure they get regular dental checkups and have good oral health.
- Teeth development happens between 6 months and a year after birth
There is no fixed way to determine when a baby might get its teeth, but usually, the first teeth emerge at 6 months. In some cases, they might not even appear until the baby is a year old. But, you need not worry, sometimes it is just late. The first teeth will be the central incisors or the lower teeth on the front. They usually have their whole set of teeth by the time they are 3 years old.
- Your child will get only 20 teeth
When your child’s teething is complete, do not expect there to be 32 teeth, like an adult! A child will develop only 20 teeth. The last set of teeth will be the molars, and they will develop by the time they are 3 years old. So, have some patience!
- Maintaining oral hygiene
It is vital for you to understand that baby teeth need the same care and oral hygiene practices as adult teeth. Wipe the baby’s gums with a clean damp cloth, and brush their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush using fluoride toothpaste. Since babies feed off of mostly sweet foods, their teeth are highly susceptible to attacks from bacteria that might cause tooth decay.
- Feeding babies through bottles for long is harmful
You might sometimes give your baby a milk bottle with formula, but remember that sugary drinks like that may lead to tooth decay. This happens as the bacteria which feeds off the sugar in the mouth starts releasing acids that damage the teeth. Also, do not let the child feed on their thumb after they lose their baby teeth, as it may disturb the teeth’ alignment.