BABY TEETH 

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, are really important for the growth and development of your child! Primary teeth are present in your baby’s jaw at the time of birth, but they don’t begin to erupt until around 6 and 12 months of age. Typically, the first teeth to come in are the top and bottom front teeth. And by age 3, most kiddos have a full set of 20 baby teeth. Some baby teeth are not lost until the age of 12. 

WHY ARE BABY TEETH IMPORTANT?

You know they’re adorable, but did you know baby teeth are also super important for your kiddo? In addition to helping your child chew, baby teeth guide the eruption of permanent teeth coming in and impact speech development! If a primary tooth is lost too early, permanent teeth can move into this space, causing crowding or misaligned teeth. So it’s important to take care of those little teeth from the start! 

CARING FOR BABY TEETH

• Start brushing your child’s gums at birth with an infant toothbrush or moist washcloth. 
• As soon as baby teeth appear, there is risk for tooth decay. Start brushing your baby’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush or damp washcloth as soon as they erupt above the gum line.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste: 
  • For 0-3 years of age, use a tiny smear of toothpaste, the size of a grain of rice. 
  • For 3-6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. 
• Brush teeth twice a day, morning and night. 
• Begin to floss teeth when your kiddo has two teeth that touch. 

FIRST DENTAL VISIT

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child’s first dental visit occur by the eruption of the first tooth, or no later than one year of age. The goal of the first dental visit is to provide a dental home — a place in which all of your child’s oral health care needs can be assessed in a comprehensive, accessible, and nurturing manner. And we’ve got you covered here at Berks Kids Dentistry! Can’t wait to meet you and your family!