Primary or “Baby Teeth” usually start to appear when an infant is between 6 months and a year old. They are very important in the ability for a child to chew and speak. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums. When teeth first come in for a child it is known as the teething cycle. Babies may experience sore or tender gums at this time and can cause them some pain. If you are a parent of a child that is teething, rubbing their gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad can be soothing and may help with the pain the teething is causing. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are three years old. 

Keeping your child’s teeth healthy at an early age is extremely important for their long term oral health.  A good recommendation after every feeding is to wipe the baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad. This removes plaque and food that can harm erupting teeth. As soon as primary teeth appear in the mouth, tooth decay can occur. Therefore, when your child’s teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a child’s size toothbrush and water. After the age of two you should brush your child’s teeth with a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Gentle Dental features 10 offices throughout South Florida that specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. Each of these offices are dedicated to create a positive, fun experience for a child that maybe extremely nervous when they come to the dentist. Gentle Dental Pediatric Dentists and staff  also emphasize strong dental education for children and teach them healthy hygiene habits. To make an appointment for your child and to find out which locations feature pediatric dentistry call 877-343-3253 or visit our location page by clicking here.