Although children eventually lose their baby teeth to make room for permanent teeth, dental care for baby teeth is important to prevent decay, help children chew their food and improve speech development. Also called primary teeth, these are the first 20 teeth that come in for a child. Regular care of baby teeth is important to establish good habits for oral hygiene that will last a lifetime.
Dental Visits
A child should have his first visit with the dentist by the time he is 1 year old, states the Ohio State University Medical Center. Some parents want to take their child to a pediatric dentist, who specializes in the care of children's teeth. She can evaluate the alignment of a child's teeth as well as predict any potential problems. Regular check-ups twice a year are important for oral health and to correct any issues as they occur.
Brushing
Dental care for baby teeth begins at the newborn stage. Before the first tooth erupts, clean your baby's mouth with a soft washcloth dipped in water. This rinses away food particles and promotes circulation. Once the teeth begin to come in, brush them with a soft toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste. Increase toothpaste to a pea-sized amount once a child is 2. Supervise your child as she is brushing her teeth. While it is important to let her practice to learn good oral hygiene, children do not have the capability to brush their teeth completely.
Tooth Loss
Children begin to lose their baby teeth at about age 6. According to Children's Hospital Boston, the earliest teeth to come out are the central incisors, which are the flat teeth in the front part of the mouth. About this time, the permanent molars in the back of the mouth may begin to erupt. A child continues to lose baby teeth as the permanent teeth come in to replace them. Most children lose their last baby tooth around the age of 12.
Fluoride
Fluoride is important to keep tooth enamel strong, but too much fluoride consumption may lead to stains on teeth. Fluoride is found in most children's toothpastes and is part of drinking water within community water systems. Fluoride should become a part of a child's tooth brushing routine by the time he is six months old.
Cavities
Children can avoid cavities in their baby teeth by practicing regular brushing and avoiding excess sweets. Avoid giving children sticky, sugary sweets that promote plaque buildup. Feeding your child a balanced diet, including foods that contain plenty of calcium, promotes strong teeth and can help reduce some infections. Young children who still take a bottle should not be put to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice, as this promotes tooth decay.
