From the moment you laid eyes on your little baby, you have probably been head over heels in love. You are obsessed with their cute little hands, those adoring eyes, and that smile – ah! There’s nothing better than a happy, smiling baby. But be prepared: before you know it, that sweet smile will become a toothy grin, and you’ll need to take care of your little one’s chompers.
Here are a few facts you should know about baby teeth:
Babies Get Their First Teeth Sooner Than You Think
Parenting is a scary adventure into the unknown. Every baby is different, so you almost never know what to expect. However, there are a few milestones that every baby hits around the same time. These milestones include rolling over, crawling, walking, and talking, but some parents may not know that teething is a typical milestone, too.So, when does a baby’s first tooth arrive? In most cases, your little one will start teething around six months of age. This is the most common time for teeth to appear, but remember: every baby is different. Teeth can break through as early as two months or as late as 12 months! If your little bundle of joy doesn’t have teeth by his half birthday, there’s no need to be alarmed.
Baby Teeth Help with Speech Development
What exactly are baby teeth for, anyway? We know they make your kiddos look super cute, but do they have any “real” purpose in a baby’s life?
ABSOLUTELY! A baby’s first teeth play a very important role in helping him or her learn to talk. When you form sounds, your tongue presses against your teeth and the roof of your mouth. Therefore, baby teeth help your little one make the sounds for his or her first words.
Additionally, baby teeth are an important part of your baby’s jaw development. Once your baby starts enjoying solid foods, her teeth will help her properly chew to build up a nice, strong jaw.
Baby Teeth Impact Adult Oral Health
You might think your baby’s first teeth are only useful in the short term. After all, they’re meant to fall out! Sure, it’s good to teach healthy oral habits from the start, but it’s not ACTUALLY important until a kid’s permanent teeth start growing in… right?
Actually, your baby’s oral habits can have a great impact on their adult teeth. See, our permanent teeth develop right next to the roots of our baby teeth. If a baby’s teeth become damaged or decayed – and that damage extends all the way to the root – those permanent teeth can suffer damage, too! It’s important to take care of your little one’s baby teeth to ensure proper tooth development throughout their life.
Babies Can Get Cavities
When those first teeth break through your baby’s gums, you might be shocked at how small those suckers are. Something that little may be adorable, but it’s also vulnerable to all kinds of damage. In fact, the CDC reports that 40% of kids will have cavities on their baby teeth by the time they reach kindergarten!
How can you avoid cavities in your kid’s teeth? Make sure they are practicing proper oral hygiene! It’s also wise to limit their intake of sugary snacks and drinks (including fruit juices).
Babies Need Dental Visits, Too!
As soon as your baby has a tooth, he or she can start regular dental visits. Look for a pediatric dentist in your area and make an appointment before their first birthday so they can start practicing great oral hygiene habits!
Do you want to make an appointment for your little one? Call College Drive Dental Associates today!