• Never allow the child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice, or sweetened liquids because it can lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay can be painful and may lead to other health problems.

• Gums should be cleaned after each feeding.

• One way to clean the gums is to gently rub a wet washcloth over the gums.

Tooth Eruption
Infants and Toddlers

Importance of Primary Teeth
Helping to Ease the Pain of Teething

Importance of Primary Teeth

• The primary teeth (sometimes called "baby teeth") are very important to a child's future dental health.

• At birth the crowns of the 20 primary teeth are almost completely formed, but they are hidden in the infant’s jawbone.

• Primary teeth erupt through the gums during the first 2 ½ years of life.

• The four front teeth – two upper and 2 lower – are usually the first to erupt, beginning as early as six months after birth.

• The majority of children have a full set of primary teeth by 3 years old.

• The child’s jaw will continue to grow, making room for the permanent teeth which will begin to erupt around 6 years of age.

• Primary teeth begin to shed between ages 6 and 7 years, and will continue until the child is about 12 years old.

• Primary teeth help to chew food easily and pronounce words properly.

• The first set of teeth holds a place in the jaw for the permanent teeth, which move into place as the primary teeth are shed.

• Infection from decayed primary teeth can damage the permanent teeth developing under them.

• Primary teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth.

Helping to Ease the Pain of Teething

• As the teeth erupt, some babies may become fussy, sleepless and irritable, lose their appetite or drool more than usual. Diarrhea, rashes and fever are not normal for a teething baby. If the infant has a fever or diarrhea while teething, and continues to be cranky or uncomfortable, call the physician.

• As a tooth erupts a water-filled sac may develop. The tooth will eventually rupture this cyst as it pushes through the gums. Eruption cysts are usually harmless and should be left alone.

• Some babies may have sore or tender gums when teeth begin to erupt. Gently rubbing the child’s gum with a clean finger or a wet gauze pad can be soothing. People also rub the gums with a small cool spoon. A clean teething ring for the child to chew may also help. The dentist or pediatrician may recommend a pacifier, teething ring or a special “numbing” cream for the gums.

• As soon as the first tooth erupts use a soft bristled toothbrush with plain water to gently clean the tooth.

• Dental check-ups should begin after the first tooth appears, but no later than the child’s first birthday.

Early Loss of a Tooth

Why it is Important to Keep Primary Teeth.
Primary teeth are important for eating, jaw growth, appearance, and speech.
Primary teeth keep the spacing for the permanent teeth and are supposed to be replaced by permanent teeth as the child gets older.
Primary teeth lost early because of tooth decay is the leading cause for crowding of the teeth.

 
How to Prevent Early Loss of Primary Teeth.
If primary teeth are not cared for properly, they can decay, leading to gum infection called gingivitis. Gingivitis can affect the spacing and the health of the permanent teeth. Children who learn to take care of their primary teeth tend to have good dental habits as adults.
 

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