Here are a few things to keep in mind about kid teeth!

1. Babies will get their teeth when it’s their time. There are general guidelines about which ones come in first, but usually they will get their lower middle teeth first and it will be between 4-18 months of age.
2. You need to brush their teeth at least once a day starting when they get their first tooth. Fluoride is always recommended in my book, but the key is moderation. Use just enough toothpaste to color the bristles of your baby’s toothbrush.
3. Once your child has teeth, it is important to take dietary considerations. Snacking on sugary treats or using drinking bottles through the night are two things that can lead to tooth decay. Try to limit the quantity of snacks and increase the quality of meals to keep kids full longer. If that isn’t happening, try increasing water to make sure that your child is rinsing their teeth off frequently. If you have a hard time managing diet, it is extra important to brush more frequently.
4. Decay on baby teeth can lead to problems with adult teeth. Baby teeth are not expendable, they may fall out, but their health is important for adult tooth health, spacing and proper development of their occlusion (bite).
5. Try to visit a dentist as soon as possible once they have teeth. Creating a positive relationship with the dentist will help prevent dental anxiety and dental troubles later in life. To find out who is in your area search the KidFriendlyVenues app.

Whitney B