A Guide To Your Baby's Mouth
The health and care of your baby’s first set of teeth are important to help hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth growing under the gums. Your baby needs strong baby teeth to be able to learn to chew solid foods, smile, and speak.
Oral Care as Your Baby Grows
Newborn to 6 months
Have your baby screened for a lip and tongue tie within the first two weeks of the baby’s life to prevent future feeding problems.
Use a warm wet washrag or an infant toothbrush to gently massage gums after feedings to wipe away milk and bacteria.
Dental decay can be transmitted, so avoid sharing utensils, food, and drinks. It’s also important for the rest of the family to get regular cleanings and take care of cavities, so they don’t have decay-causing bacteria to share.
12 to 18 months
The ADA recommends that children use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) from the time the first tooth erupts until age 3.
Check your child’s teeth regularly for cavities, which can appear as dark spots, white spots, or holes in the teeth.
A common place for decay at this age is on the front teeth under the upper lip.
If your child has not been in for their dental visit by this time, make sure you schedule one. It’s important to catch issues as early as possible and get them comfortable coming to the dentist.
Once their teeth are tight together start flossing for them.
Bring your child in every 6 months for regular dental visits and cleanings.
6 to 12 months
Once your infant’s first tooth has erupted, switch to using a soft-bristled child’s toothbrush, and brush was a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
The arrival of the first tooth means it’s time to schedule their first dental visit.
Have your baby practice drinking water or milk from a big kid cup. The goal is to have the baby only using an open cup by their first birthday to promote straight teeth.
Avoid giving your baby juice or any sugary beverages or snacks.
Don’t let the baby sleep with a bottle in their crib. The continuous milk can create acid on their teeth and cause cavities.
18 months to 5 years of age
By 30 months of age, your child will likely have all 20 primary teeth.
Begin to teach your child how to brush his or her teeth. Be sure to supervise when brushing until you notice your child has the hand coordination for brushing on their own.
The amount of toothpaste recommended for infants. Rice-grain smear for babies & toddlers under 3 years old. Pea-sized dab for 3-6 year old’s who can spit.
Tylenol dosage chart
How can I make teething easier?
Infants begin to teeth around 4 to 6 months of age. If you notice the gums are read and swollen, you can give your infant a cold teething ring or cold washcloth to relieve discomfort.
Teething can cause a slight increase in temperature but if your child has a fever above 100° F, they should see a doctor because that is not related to teething.
A homeopathic remedy for teething tabs that works well is Hyland’s teething tabs which can be purchased at a pharmacy or on Amazon.
If your child is having trouble, Tylenol can be given. (Guidelines shown below)
A child’s teething discomfort should only last for the 3 days before the tooth pops through their gums.
We work hard to provide the best experience for each and every family. Our highly skilled staff helps us make our office a safe and comfortable atmosphere to make each child’s visit fun and educational from beginning to end. Schedule an appointment for your little ones using our online booking tool or calling our office.
260-463-2111 | 612 South Detroit Street, Lagrange Indiana, 46761 | smile@lagrangefamilydentistry.com