Baby teeth are important to care for

It is a BIG MISTAKE to think that baby teeth are not important to care for. Baby/ milk/ primary/ deciduous teeth are important for chewing, speech, the social wellbeing of our children (smiling and communicating) and are space maintainers for permanent teeth. If baby teeth are lost too soon due to injury or tooth decay orthodontic issues may arise. Therefore a good oral hygiene routine needs to be implemented right from the start. Good, lifelong habits are established during childhood and will benefit your child for the rest of their life.

Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and also floss baby teeth (floss picks are easy to use.)

1. Wet a soft baby toothbrush with water and brush over baby’s gums twice daily (even when no teeth are present) to get them used to a hygiene routine and the feeling of a toothbrush in the mouth.
2. Fluoride use should be based on a child’s caries risk (this can be determined by your dental professional and is based on factors like: child’s sugar consumption, dental hygiene, signs of present and past tooth decay).
3. A rice – pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be introduced to older children when they start getting good at spitting out their toothpaste. Fluoride use should be based on a child’s caries risk (this can be determined by your dental professional and is based on factors like: child’s sugar consumption, dental hygiene, signs of present and past tooth decay).
   Let your child visit the dentist by their first birthday.

Professional dental cleanings can be done as soon as your child is willing to cooperate and lie in the dentist chair. Baby teeth are worth caring for and this is a parent’s responsibility!