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Even before the eruption of teeth, it is important to develop proper habits to maintain oral health.
If your infant has recently started chewing on everything and crying throughout the night, you've likely come to the right place. We will also discuss what baby bottle tooth decay is, how to ensure proper teething, and when you should take your child to a dentist. Let's answer these questions and more.
The process of tooth eruption in baby teeth may cause some discomfort, but it also marks an exciting milestone in your child's growth. This is the time to start incorporating different habits to ensure their oral health, which will accompany them throughout their lives. We've compiled important information on children's dental health, including common mistakes to avoid for the well-being and safety of your children.
First, let's get to know our teeth a bit.
Adults typically have 32 teeth, including four wisdom teeth. Children, on the other hand, have 20 primary teeth. The eruption of these primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, usually begins around 6-10 months of age but can vary from child to child.
Sometimes, the discomfort of teething causes stress and even arguments with children. Consequently, many parents find themselves minimizing the importance of dental care, thinking that "baby teeth will eventually fall out." However, this is a misconception. Proper care of baby teeth is just as crucial for children as it is for adults. Aside from their role in chewing, eating, speaking, and aesthetics, baby teeth also play a vital role in the proper development of permanent teeth growing underneath them. Therefore, caring for baby teeth and preventing tooth decay should be emphasized early on, starting with the eruption of primary teeth.
Teething in infants is a natural process where teeth erupt from the gums. The eruption of baby teeth typically begins around 6-10 months of age and usually continues until around age 3.
Around six months of age, the first tooth is expected to erupt, often the lower central incisors. Other teeth gradually follow suit, with all 20 primary teeth usually erupting by around age 3.
Teething can cause redness, swelling, and mild discomfort in the gums. Other signs of teething include increased drooling, biting on objects, and sometimes irritability and crying. Some parents mistakenly associate teething with symptoms like fever or diarrhea. However, research shows no connection between the timing of teething and these symptoms. If your child has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C), diarrhea, or other unusual symptoms, there may be an underlying issue requiring medical attention.
To alleviate teething discomfort, you can provide your child with chilled (not frozen) teething toys and pain-relieving gels designed for infants. Additionally, gentle gum massages with a clean finger or a damp cloth can help. Avoid dipping teething toys in juice, as this can encourage your child to chew on them, potentially leading to tooth decay. It's essential to steer clear of products like teething necklaces or bead bracelets marketed as remedies for teething symptoms, as they can pose a choking hazard.
If these remedies don't provide relief, consult a pediatric dentist for advice on how to make your child more comfortable during this phase.
The first dental check-up with a pediatric dentist is recommended either when the first tooth erupts or around the age of one, whichever comes earlier. In addition to the dental check-up, this is an excellent opportunity for guidance on proper dental care and hygiene. Afterward, it is advisable to schedule annual check-ups, unless your dentist recommends a different schedule.
It's essential to know that dental care for children is covered by most health insurance plans. For more comprehensive information on eligibility for dental care, click here. Leumit members can choose to receive dental care at private dental clinics that have an agreement with Leumit.
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a disease caused by bacteria in the oral cavity. These bacteria break down sugars from food and drinks, producing acid that erodes tooth enamel, leading to a "hole" in the tooth. Tooth decay can cause pain and impair the normal function of teeth, which are essential for chewing and speaking. Additionally, it can lead to the loss of teeth and affect both the aesthetic and functional aspects of dental health.
Tooth decay in children is quite common, and, like other diseases, prevention is easier and simpler than dealing with the disease itself.
Preventing tooth decay in infants and children includes ensuring proper teething habits, starting from the eruption of the first tooth. You should brush their teeth twice a day with a small, soft toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a rice grain) from a young age. By the age of two, you can use a larger amount of toothpaste, roughly the size of a pea. Pediatric dentists recommend that parents supervise their children's toothbrushing until around the age of 8, as children may not have the necessary skills to brush effectively before then.
In addition to proper toothbrushing, maintaining oral health involves a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist starting at the age of one.
Similar to adults, the treatment for tooth decay in children depends on the severity of the disease. If tooth decay is in its early stages, some pediatric dentists may recommend fluoride application and improvements in diet and oral hygiene as the primary approach.
If the disease progresses further, treatments may include dental fillings, root canals, or even extractions.
Paying close attention to your child's oral health from a young age will help prevent tooth decay and establish important habits that will guide them for years to come. We are here at Leumit to assist you on this journey to maintain your and your child's smiles.
