The Big Picture

Your child may have teeth starting to appear around the age of 6 months up until 24 months! Their teeth are VERY important.

 

 

Why Are Their Teeth Important?

Your child's teeth are important for chewing and biting, which can affect their nutrition.

• If your child has cavities and their teeth get pulled out early from the dentist, it could affect the way they eat fruits, meats, and vegetables! These are important foods!

They are also important for looks

• If a child has to have their teeth taken out early, it can cause the permanent teeth to come in crooked and can develop speaking problems. 

• Children who do not speak clearly may have problems when it comes to school

 

How Do I Prevent Cavities?

Between 6-12 months, babies should be drinking out of a sippee cup, not a bottle.

• It is perfect since your baby is becoming curious enough to start reaching for things!

• Make sure your child is weaned from a bottle by 12-14 months at the latest.

  • You can be creative with ways to do this!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Do I Care For My Baby's Teeth?

Teeth should be cleaned daily, at any stage!

• You can start using a child-sized toothbrush or a clean, damp washcloth to gently clean the teeth and gums.

• When teeth come in, it can hurt; try using a teething ring chilled in the refrigerator (not frozen). Or gently rub the child's gums with your finger to relieve the symptoms.

  • Topical pain relievers like Lidoccaine that are rubbed onto the gums are not useful because they wash out of the baby's mouth in minutes.

    • If too much is swallowed, it can cause seizures, heart problems, brain injury, and even death.

• When you are cleaning, make sure to lift up the baby's lips and check for cavities.

  • Cavities look like small white or brown spots at this age. If you see anything, make a dental appointment immediately!

  • Early detection is better than later! It may be reversible!

• Make it fun going to the dentist! By the age of 1, it is time for the first check-up! Get them excited!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REMEMBER:

• Serve juice/milk/water in a sippee cup (at 6 months)

• Avoid letting baby walk around with a bottle

• Wean baby from the bottle at 12-14 months

• Clean baby's teeth daily

• Visit the dentist for a checkup at 12 months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adapted from: FDA MedWatch and http://www.dentalcaretoday.net/index.asp?f=childdentaltips

and

Washington State Department of Health