1) HOUSTON, WE HAVE A TOOTH.
Every baby reacts differently when a tooth shines through for the first time, which usually happens between 6 months to a year old. Followed by a full set of ‘chompers’ by the ripe age of 3 years old, but long before those come here is some info that applies to all newborn mouths’:
- At birth, each newborn has 20 teeth underneath their gums
- Expect a tooth 6 months to a year old
- Start brushing upon a new tooth’s arrival (soft bristle)
- Schedule a dental appointment upon first tooth
For more information about when teeth erupt for the first time and future development, reference this helpful page from the Canadian Dental Association.
2) TEETHING, IT HAPPENS TO THE BEST OF US.
Teething is an inevitable stage in life that every baby must go through and don’t worry, we are here for you. There are many telltale signs of when it’s teething time, for instance:
What to expect
- Sleeplessness, let’s face it they’re uncomfortable
- Fussier than normal
- More irritable
- Drooling, possibly lot’s of it
- Decrease in appetite
What is not expected
- Skin irritation or rash
- Upset tummy or diarrhea
- Fever
If you have any more questions or concerns about your little one’s teeth, don’t hesitate to call us 416-224-2114 or reach us on our contact page.
3) MIXING TOOTHPASTE INTO THE ROUTINE.
Someone say tooth? I say toothpaste.
After eruption of your baby’s first tooth, it’s time to add toothpaste. As soon as a tooth starts shining through the gum line, bacteria can start doing their cavity causing thing. It’s wise to begin brushing, regardless of the fact that these are not their permanent teeth. Health runs through your mouth, so start your kiddo off right!
4) TOOTHPASTE MODERATELY.
I know I said ‘toothpaste’, but relax.
When the time comes to mix toothpaste into the routine, its beneficial to go with the notion of less is more. With that in mind, use a soft-bristle brush and two measuring methods. If your child is less than 3, toothpaste amount should be the size of a grain of rice. If your child is older than 3, their toothpaste amount is the size of a pea.
That simple. So get to brushing two minutes- twice a day.
5) BATTLE BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY DOESN’T HAVE TO HAPPEN.
The bottle is a natural go to ‘soother’ for your baby. Let’s face it, true happiness is a good meal and a nap. But, that meal and nap combo for your baby might be an oral health hazard. Baby bottle tooth decay is a phenomenon where a child is put down with a bottle containing sugary contents. This bottle / contents then remain on your child’s teeth with direct contact as they eat away at your baby’s new teeth causing cavities and other harm. Fortunately is very preventable. Just be aware of their eating habits and do a necessary wash after each meal, much like a rinse. And, when the time comes, ensure your child’s pacifier is also clean when they go down for nap.
6) ANOTHER FIRST, THEIR FIRST DENTAL VISIT.
It’s another big day. Time to schedule their first dental visit.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends the assessment of infants, by a dentist, within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age. The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem with his or her teeth. In most cases, a dental exam every six months will let your child’s dentist catch small problems early. – CDA
If your little one is in need of an appointment, call us 416-224-2114 or reach us via our contact page. At Sari Novack Dentistry we offer comprehensive pediatric dentistry to North York, Ontario.
Thanks for reading and congratulations on your new bundle of joy!
