Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, are just as important as adult teeth, according to the American Dental Association, or ADA. Primary teeth help your child have sufficient space in the jaw to allow permanent teeth to come in straight. Oral hygiene for babies should begin long before teeth begin to surface. A baby should begin regular dental visits when his first tooth comes into view.
Considerations
Oral hygiene for newborns should begin almost immediately after birth, according to the ADA. Wiping the baby's gum with a gauze pad after each feeding clears away any remain food and plaque that can potentially harm future teeth.
Time Frame
The first teeth to break through the gums are typically the two central or front lower incisors. The lateral or neighboring lower teeth usually follow the lead of the central teeth and become visible at around 12 months.
The two top front teeth or upper central incisors emerge between 6 and 12 months. By 18 months, the first molar has erupted. The second molar usually comes in around 30 months. Most children have a complete set of 20 primary teeth by the time they turn 3.
Effects
Your baby may experience tender gum and sore gums as primary teeth make their debut. Rubbing the gums with a cool spoon, cold wet wash cloth or a clean finger can be comforting to a teething infant, says the ADA. A teething ring may also be soothing on irritated gums.
Prevention/Solution
Your baby should see a dentist by her first birthday, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Primary teeth can develop cavities the moment a child's diet consists of anything other than breast milk. The upper and lower front teeth are the most susceptible to early decay, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Recommendations
Brush your child's teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste twice a day. Toothpaste that contains fluoride should not be used on babies under age 2, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. As your child grows, he should be able to take over tooth-brushing duties with minimal assistance.
Outlook
Baby teeth will begin to loosen around age 6 or 7, according to the Mayo Clinic. They usually fall out in the same order in which they came in. The loss of primary teeth makes room for permanent ones that can last a lifetime with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene practices.
