Baby Teeth

Primary teeth, or “baby teeth”, begin to come into a child’s mouth about 6 months after birth.  By age 3, most children have 20 primary teeth.  Those teeth begin to lose their roots and all out of the mouth at about 6 years of age, when the permanent teeth begin to erupt.

Cleaning baby teeth should start as soon as the child has teeth.  Brushing alone with a small moistened toothbrush is adequate.  As the child begins to have more teeth, about 2 years of age, a very small amount of toothpaste (small garden-pea size) may be used.  Make sure the child spits out the toothpaste when brushing is finished.  Children 6 years of age and older can usually brush their own teeth, with your supervision.  Floss the child’s teeth as soon as the teeth contact each other and show the child how to floss.

To help the child peacefully accept future dental care, take him or her to see the dentist no later than two years of age.  Usually there is no treatment to be done at this age, but the child learns to accept the dentist and hygienists in a positive manner.