While baby teeth will, typically, all be lost and replaced by adult teeth at some point in a child’s future, it is important to take good care of them until the tooth fairy comes! The 20 primary teeth children have are partially developed (although not visible) at birth and erupt over the first 2-3 years of life. Prior to the tough teething months, great habits can begin!
1. Start by gently rubbing a baby’s gum tissue with a wet washcloth or piece of gauze. Not only will that rid the mouth of damaging bacteria and milk residue, it can also help an infant become used to oral stimulation as they get older.
2. As baby teeth do begin to erupt, it is important to clean them regularly each day with a soft bristled toothbrush or wet gauze. Consider using training toothpaste, which contains no fluoride and is considered safe to swallow. Because of the sweet flavor, often times babies will allow you inside the mouth just to get a little taste! If your little one doesn’t love the idea of toothbrushing or the taste of toothpaste, gently brushing with water is good enough and will do the trick.
3. And, as crazy as it sounds, flossing needs to begin as soon as your baby has two teeth that touch. Not all babies will love having their teeth brushed, but continue to make it a fun, positive experience and they will eventually come around!
By Dr. Ozzie Jafarnia, DDS. Dr. A. Ozzie Jafarnia, or “Dr. Ozzie” as she is known to her patients grew up in the East Bay, and is proud to be Danville’s only American Board of Pediatric Dentistry certified dentist. She currently works at Danville Pediatric Dentistry located in Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Ste 203, Danville, Ca 94506, (925) 837-7745.