{"id":167,"date":"2022-06-15T09:47:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T09:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydentistrybydesign.com\/blog\/?p=167"},"modified":"2022-07-29T21:47:52","modified_gmt":"2022-07-29T21:47:52","slug":"dentist-guide-to-baby-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydentistrybydesign.com\/blog\/index.php\/2022\/06\/15\/dentist-guide-to-baby-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"A Lubbock Dentist\u2019s Guide to Baby Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When you first become a parent, it\u2019s tempting to just focus on your baby\u2019s physical health. After all, ensuring they\u2019re eating well, sleeping well, and safe from bodily harm takes a lot of time. However, it would help if you also considered their oral health<\/a>. Even if they don\u2019t have any teeth now, it\u2019s just a matter of time until they get their first tooth. That said, you may not know what to expect or how to respond to their dental needs. If that\u2019s the case, read this guide to baby teeth to learn how to protect your little one\u2019s budding smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Baby Teeth Develop at 6-12 Months<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When a baby gets their first tooth can vary widely. Some infants don\u2019t have any teeth at their first birthday, while others can have three or four by that point. Still, it\u2019s generally the case that a baby\u2019s first tooth appears around the six-month mark. Around that time, they\u2019ll show signs of teething (crying, swollen or sensitive gums, etc.) as the lower front teeth start breaking through the gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brush Your Baby\u2019s Teeth Twice Daily<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Soon after your child\u2019s first tooth appears, brush it and any surrounding teeth twice daily with a smear of fluoridated toothpaste \u2014 ideally the size of a grain of rice. One of the best times for this brushing is after the day\u2019s last food or drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of this process, you should also avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle. Doing so can lead to tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baby\u2019s First Tooth = Baby\u2019s First Dental Appointment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When your child\u2019s first tooth erupts, or when their first birthday arrives \u2014 whichever comes first \u2014 go ahead and schedule them for their first dental appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend that all children see a pediatric dentist for a dental home\u201d by age one. From your young one\u2019s first appointment onward, the specialist will assess whether teeth are developing typically and if there are any dental problems. They will also give you further advice on infant oral hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t have a pediatric dentist in your community, try to find a general one comfortable treating young children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having learned the items above, you hopefully feel better prepared to care for your baby\u2019s teeth. If you have any other questions, though, feel free to talk with a local dentist about other tips and guidance. They\u2019ll likely be happy to help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Luke Lumpkin<\/a><\/em> is a dentist in Bartlesville, OK, having earned his DDS from the University of Oklahoma\u2019s School of Dentistry. He\u2019s practiced dentistry for over a decade. Furthermore, he serves as a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. His services include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency smile procedures. Dr. Lumpkin currently practices at Dentistry by Design<\/a> and can be reached at his website<\/a> or by phone at (918)-336-6777<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\r\n