If you think your baby’s toothless smile is cute, just wait until their first few teeth make an appearance!

A baby’s primary teeth are present in their jaw at birth and typically begin to appear when a baby is between 6 months and 1 year old. After your child’s first tooth comes in and no later than their first birthday, you should schedule a dental appointment for your child to get an overview on their oral health. Besides checking for cavities and other problems, the dentist can show you how to clean the child’s teeth properly and how to handle habits like thumb sucking.

Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are 3. Usually the first teeth that come in are located in the front, at the top and bottom of their mouth.

When teeth first come in, some babies may have sore or tender gums. Gently rubbing your child’s gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad can be soothing. You can also give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on. If your child is still fussing and in pain, consult your dentist or physician.

Baby teeth are very important to your child’s health and development. They help them chew, speak and smile. They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.

When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in. This can make your child’s smile crooked or crowded. This is why starting infants off with good oral care by taking them to the dentist, can help protect their teeth for decades to come.

If you’re looking for your child’s next dentist, contact us today at DS Dental. We offer a full children’s dentistry program to help educate your child about the importance of oral health and instill good habits in them for the rest of their lives. If you are interested in learning more or booking your child’s next appointment, contact DS Dental today.