Good dental health starts with babies. Parents should start practicing good dental health once their babies start cutting their teeth. Waiting until the permanent teeth come in is too late. Toddlers should start on a regimen of maintaining their teeth once they are old enough to hold a toothbrush in their hand. And parents should start taking care of the baby’s teeth once they break through the gums. Adding the baby on the family dental insurance plan is a good idea, and will start health dental habits.

Teeth Development

Most babies will get their bottom two teeth anywhere from between three months and sixteen months. After the bottom teeth come in, the top teeth will follow in about two months. Teeth development will continue until the child has 20 primary teeth. Children start losing their baby teeth between six and seven years old, and permanent teeth will replace the baby teeth. The permanent teeth process is complete when the child gets the third molars, or wisdom teeth. This happens between age 17 and 22.

Taking Care of Children’s Teeth

Parents should start taking care of their children’s teeth as soon as they erupt. This means wiping the teeth with a damp cloth as soon as they appear. Do not give the child milk or juice in a bottle when going to bed. The sugars from the juice or milk will say on their teeth throughout the night, leading to cavities; plus, it is a hazard for choking. The child should be given water in the hour before bedtime if they are thirsty.

Once the child has a couple of teeth, begin brushing them with a child’s soft toothbrush. The new guidelines state that a non-fluoride toothpaste should be used. A pea-sized amount on a toothbrush is all that is needed. Teach the child how to hold the toothbrush and brush their teeth. It can become a morning and night-time ritual that is the start of establishing good dental hygiene.

Taking the Child to the Dentist

Most dental insurance plans will include children as part of the family. Due to the high number of children presenting to the dentist with cavities before they start preschool, the American Academy of Pediatrics changed their recommended first dental visit from age three to six months after the first tooth has erupted. This is usually between six months and twelve months.

Children who do not walk around with juice cups, sleep with a bottle, or have a family history of dental problems should not be considered high risk, as long as they practice good dental care. These children can generally wait until a later age to see the dentist. Parents should check with their pediatrician for recommendations, as well as with their own dentist.

Children can visit the family dentist, if they accept children, or go to a pediatric dentist. Make sure the dentist participates in the dental insurance plan.

Start children on good dental hygiene and habits early. They will thank you for it in their later years when they have developed strong, healthy teeth.