When should I take my child to see the dentist?
Your child’s first visit should be made early in life ideally after the first Birthday. The Dentist will check for decay and other problems and also teach your child the proper brushing technique . Visiting early will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.
Do I need to clean my baby’s mouth if there are no teeth yet? Begin cleaning the baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth. After every feed, wipe the baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth to remove plaque.
Can babies get cavities?
Yes. Tooth decay is possible as teeth are present in the mouth from the age of six months. Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when baby is fed on, bottle milk having sugar, especially if this milk remains around the child’s teeth during sleep. The teeth will be affected by acids and decay can result.
When should thumbsucking stop?
Children should normally stop thumbsucking by the time the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt (above 7 years of age). Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four years. If the habit persists the Dentist should be consulted.
Can a child lose a primary (milk) tooth too early?
If the primary (milk) teeth are lost too early, nearby teeth can tip or move into the vacant space. When the permanent teeth are ready to come into the mouth, there may not be enough room. This may cause teeth to erupt irregularly and out of position. The Dentist may recommend Space Maintainer to maintain the space for permanent teeth.
