Parent’s Page – ttdync Dental clinic

All About Baby Teeth

Baby teeth (also called primary teeth) begin to grow at around 6 months of age. As they erupt, they form a small bubble under the gums and then “cut” through into the mouth. By the time your child is 3 years old, they will likely have 20 baby teeth. During this time, it’s normal for your child to experience discomfort, drooling, or irritability. Regular check-ins with both the pediatrician and pediatric dentist are important during these active stages of tooth development.

Why Are Baby Teeth Important?

Baby teeth hold space for adult (permanent) teeth, helping guide them into place.
They support the growth and development of your child’s face—and help shape that adorable smile.
Healthy baby teeth are key to chewing and eating a variety of foods, which kickstarts the digestion process.
Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, discomfort, and behavior changes, like poor sleep or irritability. They may also affect facial and overall growth.

Start Healthy Habits Early

Babies are amazing learners! This is why it’s so important to start brushing and flossing early. A soft baby toothbrush can be introduced at 6 months of age, even before all the teeth are in. Make brushing a fun, positive activity—turn it into a game and choose times when your child is relaxed and playful.

A solid bedtime brushing routine helps build habits that last. Remember: baby teeth are not fully mature when they erupt—they strengthen over time with proper care and a healthy diet.

The First Dental Visit

Your child’s first dental visit should be around 6 months of age, or when the first tooth appears. This visit helps:

Build a relationship between the child, parent, and dentist
Provide personalized guidance on brushing, diet, and habits
Set the tone for a lifetime of positive dental care experiences

Prevention is Powerful

Preventing cavities is easier, faster, and less expensive than treating them. Here’s what that includes:

Daily brushing and flossing
Healthy diet with limited sugary snacks and drinks
Regular dental checkups to catch problems early

Even with the best habits, cavities can still happen. If they do, we start with minimally invasive care like:

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) or Curodont
Glass Ionomer (GI) restorations
Sealants and more frequent visits

If needed, we may also recommend traditional treatments like fillings, crowns, or extractions.

A Team Effort for Healthy Smiles

Parents play a huge role in keeping kids’ teeth healthy. When caregivers are involved and informed, dental visits become smoother and more positive.

A healthy smile also starts with a balanced diet. Snacks like chips, cookies, candy, juice, or soda are okay occasionally, but it’s important to brush afterward. When we don’t clean our teeth, bacteria feast on leftover sugars and produce acids that lead to cavities.

Remember: dental caries is a preventable disease. Working together, we can help your child grow up with strong, healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.

From Baby Teeth to Adult Teeth

Baby teeth usually start falling out around ages 5 to 6, and the process continues until age 12 or 13. As adult teeth come in, routine dental visits and proper brushing habits are more important than ever.

Let’s build a healthy foundation together—starting with those very first teeth!

Common Oral Conditions in Childhood

Caring for your child’s mouth starts early. Here are some common oral conditions that occur during childhood—and how you can support your child’s dental health at every stage.

1. Teething

Baby teeth usually begin to erupt around 6 months of age, with all 20 primary teeth typically in by age 3. Teething can be uncomfortable, and your child might experience soreness, drooling, or fussiness. Helpful tips during teething:

Clean gums and teeth gently with a soft toothbrush or wet washcloth.
Offer cold, soft foods to soothe sore gums and help with eating.
Maintain good oral hygiene even before all teeth are in.
Medications to manage pain such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen may be given according to the dosage indicated on the bottle.

2.Pacifier Use & Thumb Sucking

Non-nutritive sucking is normal for infants and young toddlers. It helps them self-soothe and feel secure. What to know:

These habits are typically fine until age 2–2.5 years.
Pacifiers are usually easier to wean off than thumbs or fingers.
If the habit continues beyond toddlerhood, your pediatric dentist can offer custom guidance and strategies to help your family gently break the habit.

3. Oral Infections

Children can experience viral or bacterial infections that affect the mouth. These may appear as:

Ulcers or sores
Red or bleeding gums
Excessive drooling

Watch for systemic symptoms like fever, vomiting, or dehydration—these require a visit to your pediatrician. Oral symptoms can often be managed by your pediatric dentist. Most infections resolve within 7–10 days, but if symptoms worsen, urgent care may be needed. During this time, focus on keeping your child hydrated and nourished.

4. Cavities (Dental Caries)

Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in children—but it’s also completely preventable. To reduce your child’s risk:

Practice daily brushing and flossing.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
Schedule regular dental checkups, which may include:
- Exams and x-rays
- Professional cleanings
- Fluoride treatments

5. Dental Trauma

Falls and bumps are part of childhood, and sometimes teeth get injured. Here’s what to do:

If your child shows signs of a medical emergency (e.g., head injury, vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness), seek emergency care immediately.
Once medically stable, visit your pediatric dentist to evaluate any damage to the teeth.
If a permanent front tooth is knocked out, place it in a sealed container of milk and contact your pediatric dentist right away.

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