Having a child is one of the most rewarding and satisfying things you can experience, but it can also feel overwhelming when it comes to keeping up with everything, including oral care for your baby. At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, we understand how time-consuming it is to be a parent, and we want to help by offering dental services to your children, regardless of their age. Keep reading to learn about what to expect when your baby first gets teeth.
What You Need to Know About Your Baby’s First Teeth
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as your child’s teeth begin to develop:
1. Getting their first tooth – Your baby will likely develop their first tooth between the ages of 6 and 12 months, but don’t be concerned if they still don’t have any teeth by their first birthday.
2. Adding fluoride – When your child is six months old, you should add fluoride to their diet to help harden their tooth enamel and prevent decay. Your tap water likely has enough fluoride to suffice, so give your baby some tap water in a sippy cup when you introduce solid foods.
3. Teething pain – When your baby is teething, you can help decrease their discomfort by massaging their gums with your finger. You can also use frozen teething rings or talk to your pediatrician about over-the-counter pain relievers.
4. Teething tablets and gels – Be sure to avoid teething tablets containing belladonna or teething gels with benzocaine, as they have potentially harmful side effects.
5. Brushing – When your child gets their first tooth, you should begin a brushing routine twice a day. Make sure one of those brushings is at the end of the day, and never put your baby to bed with a bottle because it can cause tooth decay.
6. Making a dental appointment – You should contact your Highlands Ranch dentist when your baby gets their first tooth. By the time your child is one, it’s best that you have taken them to the dentist for their first cleaning. Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment.
Your Baby’s Oral Health in Highlands Ranch, CO
At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, we want to help your little ones achieve and maintain the best oral health possible. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, you can call us at (303) 865-4066. We look forward to hearing from you.