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Dental Health News

A Child’s Smile

Before The Baby Is Born

Your child's teeth begin forming between the 3rd and 6th months of pregnancy. What you eat affects those developing teeth. It is important that you receive sufficient amounts of nutrients, especially vitamins A, C and D, protein, calcium and phosphorus for normal formation of the baby's teeth. A balanced diet usually provides adequate amounts of these nutrients to nourish both you and your child.

Infancy

People ususally think of a newborn baby as having no teeth. But the 20 primary teeth that will erupt in the next 2 1/2 years are already present at birth in the baby's jawbones. Your infant depends totally on you for dental care. You should begin cleaning the baby's mouth during the first few days after birth. After every feeding, wipe the baby's gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay


healthy primary
(baby) teeth


moderate decay


severe decay

As soon as teeth appear in the mouth, decay can occur. One serious form of decay among yourng children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition can occur when an infant is allowed to nurse continuously from a bottle of milk, formula, sugar water or fruit juice during naps or at night. When putting your young child to bed, use only water in the bottle, or give the baby a pacifier.


Result of
Prolonged Sucking

Thumbsucking

Sucking is one of a baby's natural reflexes, much like grasping for objects. It usually decreases after the age of two. In some cases, if a child continues vigorous and prolonged thumbsucking past the age of four, it can create problems with normal dental development.

Take your child to see the dentist between six and 12 months of age.

Our Mission Statement • Dental Health News