Facts about your baby's teeth

Your Baby’s Teeth: Myths v/s Facts
MYTHS
Cavities in baby teeth don’t matter because they will just fall out anyway…
Cavities in baby teeth don’t need fillings because they are just baby teeth…
Kids don’t need to see the dentist until they are at least 3 years old…
I can wait to start brushing my baby’s teeth until he is older...
Toothpaste with fluoride is dangerous for my baby…


FACTSChildren don’t lose their last baby tooth until they are close to 12 years old. Once started, cavities will grow bigger over time and eventually need to be filled.

Cavities in baby teeth can lead to pain and infection. Cavities must be treated by the dentist and this can be very hard for young children.

It is recommended that all kids see the dentist for the first time when their first tooth erupts or by age 1 at the latest.

To prevent cavities, parents should begin brushing their baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth comes in.

Parents should use a small smear of toothpaste with fluoride (about the size of a grain of rice) when brushing their baby’s teeth. This small amount is not harmful if swallowed and will help prevent cavities.

Top 10 Things to know about your baby's teeth:

Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that can be spread from person to person.

Be sure the entire family sees the dentist regularly to keep a healthy mouth and prevent the spread of cavities.

Take your baby to see a dentist for the first time when his first tooth comes in or by age 1 at the latest.

As soon as your baby’s teeth come in start brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride.

It is safe to use a small smear of toothpaste with fluoride (about the size of a grain of rice) to prevent cavities even though your baby will swallow most of it.

Be sure your baby drinks 1-2 ounces of water with fluoride every day to prevent cavities.

Never put your baby to bed with a bottle or cup of milk or juice after his teeth have come in. Only water is OK.

When your baby has teeth, encourage him to sleep through the night without feeding him in the middle of the night.

Only give your baby 4-6 ounces of juice or less every day.

Encourage your baby to stop sucking his thumb, fingers or pacifier early, by age 3 at the latest, to prevent orthodontic problems.

Thank you to Childrens Dental Health Project for sharing these facts.