Baby Teeth Formation

Your baby’s healthy start should include proper dental care. Just because you can’t see those little teeth yet doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Teeth start forming during the second trimester, so at birth, your baby could have 20 primary teeth.¹

 

 

Primary Teeth are Important

Primary teeth, also called "baby teeth," will probably start to appear when your baby is around six months old. You’ll want to watch for the first tooth to erupt and schedule a dental visit for your child within six months or by his first birthday.² The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says primary teeth are important, not only for chewing food, but also for positioning his tongue to form words and saving space for permanent teeth.^3,4 The dentist can check for problems, show you how to clean your baby’s gums and teeth and make sure teeth are coming in the way they should.^2,4

 

It’s never too soon to start teaching your little one good habits. The CDA offers these tips for a lifelong healthy smile:^2,4

• Before teeth appear, wipe your baby’s gums with a wet washcloth or soft baby brush.

• Avoid using toothpaste until your baby has teeth. Until he’s age three, you or another adult should brush his teeth with only a pea size amount of toothpaste.

• Don’t let your baby chew on anything hard enough to crack his teeth.

• Gently floss both sides of each tooth and the backs of molars.

• Brush your baby’s teeth right before bed to get rid of bacteria.

• Give your child good snacks such as carrot sticks, fruit, cheese cubes and nuts. Give him water if he’s thirsty between meals.

• Schedule dental check-ups every six months.

Talking about Teeth

Teething is when your baby’s first teeth begin to erupt, which usually happens between the ages of four and seven months. Some babies sail through it with no problem; others experience pain and discomfort. Here are some common signs of teething:⁵

• Swollen or tender gums

• Redness or rash on cheeks

• More drooling or saliva than usual

• Increased irritability

• Biting on objects or fingers

• Increased restlessness

To help your baby through the uncomfortable teething process, try these suggestions:⁵

• Give him a cold, wet cloth to suck on

• To prevent rashes caused by drool, wipe his face often

• Gently massage his gums with your clean finger

• Let him chew on a rubber teething ring, but skip the ones with liquid inside and never tie it around his neck

Dental Health and Diet

Research shows a growing connection between oral health and general health – just one more reason to teach your child to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth throughout his lifetime. According to Health Canada, eating the proper diet is an important step.^6,7

 

To help your child develop good eating habits he’ll thank you for later, feed him well-balanced, nutritious meals containing a variety of foods. Include lots of vegetables, fruits, whole-grain breads and cereals, lean meats and lower-fat dairy products. Encourage him to try new tastes and textures, but avoid using food as a reward or punishment.^7,8

 

¹“Mouth and Teeth,” http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/body_basics/mouth_teeth.html#

²Your Oral Health, “Dental Care for Children”, http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care_children/index.asp

³“Importance of Primary Teeth,” http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/peddentist.asp

⁴While Health Canada and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) discuss intake levels of fluoride in drinking water, these organizations do not sponsor, approve, certify or endorse Nursery® Water.

⁵“Teething Tots,” http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/general/teeth/teething.html

⁶“Oral Health,” www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/oral-bucco/index-eng.php

⁷“Promoting Healthy Eating Habits,” http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/healthybodies/heathyeating.htm

⁸While Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society discuss intake levels of fluoride in drinking water, these organizations do not sponsor, approve, certify or endorse Nursery® Water.