Whether it’s your first time in the parent saddle or your seventh rodeo, taking care of baby buckaroos isn’t easy – especially when it comes to those chompers! How we as parents care for baby teeth in the early years decides lots of big things (like good dental hygiene, healthy habits, and proper dentition growth). To help you out, we’ve rustled up the best tips to keep your little one’s smile shining bright as a summer day. So, hitch a ride with Howdy Pediatric Dental Studio as we explore how to care for infant teeth from the very first day!
When to Expect Your Buckaroo’s First Baby Tooth
First, let’s talk about the exciting moment when baby teeth emerge! Most little wranglers will begin teething around 6 months old, but some parents may see baby teeth as early as 4 months or as late as 12 months. By the time we hit the toddler trail—around the age of 2 to 3—they should have a complete set of 20 baby teeth ready to shine.
Typically, baby teeth arrive in a particular order. There is some variation, but your infant will probably start with their bottom and then top incisors. Next are the lateral incisors, followed by the first molars and canines. Finally, you’ll have struck gold when the second molars arrive – you’ve wrangled yourself a complete set of baby teeth!
Baby’s First Time in the (Pediatric Dental) Saddle!
Now that we’ve got the lowdown on when your little one’s chompers will give you a “howdy,” let’s gab about dental care out on the prairie: when to visit a pediatric dentist!
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, every cowpoke should see a dentist by the time they are one year old. If your baby’s first tooth pops up like a prairie dog before then, saddle up – it’s time to mosey over to our dental studio. This important visit allows your pediatric dentist (in our case, cavity-wrangler Dr. Shaffer) to ensure those tiny teeth stay healthy and spot concerning habits like thumb-sucking.
How Should You Care for Infant Teeth Back at the Ranch?
If we want to keep those baby teeth brighter than the noonday sun and stronger than an ox, starting good dental habits early is crucial. Even if infant teeth haven’t made their big debut yet, you’ll want to gently wipe your baby’s gums after meals using a soft, damp cloth.
Once teeth begin emerging, you’ll want to take a brush to those chompers twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and just a speck of fluoride toothpaste—think the size of a grain of rice! And once you’ve got two teeth touching, break out the floss. Cavity-causing varmints like to hang out in those cracks and crevices, so flossing is a must!
To keep sugar and tooth decay at bay (which are as unwelcome in your child’s mouth as a rattlesnake at a picnic), ensure your buckaroo drinks plenty of water. And when it’s meal time, limit sugary snacks and drinks. A good diet ensures that your little one stays happy and healthy from tip to tail! (Especially when it comes to their baby chompers.)
Giddy Up to Howdy – Healthy Grins are on the Horizon!
So there you have it! With proper care and attention, baby teeth set the stage for a lifetime of healthy grins. Here at Howdy Pediatric Dental Studio in Napa, CA, we’re here to help at every step of your child’s oral health journey. If you have questions or want to schedule your baby’s first-tooth celebration at our outpost, don’t hesitate to give us a holler! Or, reserve an appointment online, and let’s get those little wranglers on the path to fantastic dental health.