|
Babies, Children and Mums When a mother-to-be knows she is pregnant, one of the questions she will consider is “how do I make sure my child will have strong teeth?” During pregnancy, eating a balanced diet and continuing to carry out the home care on her own teeth and gums is all that is necessary. Gums may sometimes bleed due to hormonal changes, but this can be tackled by more scrupulous cleaning with a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss or tape. |
 |
The following questions are those most commonly asked by our patients:
When do baby teeth start to appear?
A baby’s teeth begin to develop from around the second month of pregnancy and the first tooth will usually appear around six months after birth. During 'teething' a baby’s gums often become swollen and painful, gentle massage of baby's gums with a teething gel can help to reduce the pain.
How many teeth will my baby have?
There are 20 ‘baby’ teeth and these will appear over the first three years. ‘Baby’ teeth should be looked after, as many of them will be in the mouth for over ten years. The last one is often lost naturally after 13 years.
Will the use of a dummy or thumb-sucking damage teeth?
Neither is harmful in the early years, however, if your child persists there may be some disruption to the position of the teeth.
When should I take my baby to the dentist?
As soon after the birth as you wish, however, the best age for a first examination is probably two years. By this age most toddlers are ready to accept the strangeness of the dental surgery and will enjoy the ride in the chair.
What preventive treatments are available for children?
The main preventive measures for children are fluoride, fissure sealants, mouthguards, a diet with minimal sugars and, of course, regular dental visits.
What other tips do you have for taking care of children’s teeth at home?
After your baby is born, plaque will begin to form once the first tooth appears. Use a cotton bud to clean teeth whilst holding baby on your lap. As the baby gets older a child’s toothbrush and children’s toothpaste can be used. Up until the age of seven years it is advisable for you to clean your child’s teeth. Your hygienist can give you instructions and tips on making this both enjoyable and effective.