1. Why are baby teeth so important?
Baby teeth are of great importance as they pave the way for proper growth and development of the jaw. They also maintain space for the adult teeth and are beneficial in speech development and eating. Premature loss of baby teeth can lead to the need for Orthodontic treatment later in a child’s life. Recent research has shown that infections from teeth can cause heart disease and damage overall health. Rheumatic heart disease is one such condition brought about by infected teeth.

2. When should I start cleaning my child’s teeth?
You can start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they start to come through the gums. This will generally be around 6 to 9 months of age. Start with a soft cloth wrapped around your index finger. Then move to a soft toothbrush. We can assist you train for this step in your caring for baby.

3. How should I clean my child’s teeth?
Begin cleaning your child’s teeth with a soft, damp cloth to wipe gently over their teeth. You can start to introduce a children’s toothbrush as soon as you feel your child will accept it. Use a Kid’s toothbrush and toothpaste without fluoride.

4. Why is fluoride important and when should my child start using fluoride toothpaste?
Fluoride in drinking water hardens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to plaque acid. We recommend that children start using a low fluoride based toothpaste between 2 and 6 years of age. Once they switch to fluoride toothpaste, we recommend using a very small amount (approximately half the size of a pea), because most children will swallow a small amount of the paste..

5. When do the baby teeth fall out?
Children generally lose their front 8 baby teeth between 6 and 8 years of age. At this time the first permanent molars will also come through behind the baby teeth. Then between 10 and12 years of age the remaining baby teeth are lost and are replaced with adult teeth. Preventive dental care involves monitoring the growth and eruption pattern of children’s teeth because often kids teeth do not shed on time and the permanent teeth get pushed into an incorrect position.

6. What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is accidentally knocked out?
If a baby tooth is knocked out DO NOT TRY TO PUT IT BACK IN. This is the case as you could accidentally damage the adult tooth that is developing below the gum. As soon as the accident occurs call your Dentist and organize an appointment immediately.

7. What should I do if my child’s adult tooth is accidentally knocked out?
Unlike baby teeth, if a permanent tooth is knocked out it should be REPLACED IN THE SOCKET STRAIGHT AWAY. The longer the tooth is out of the mouth, the less likely the tooth will survive. As soon as the accident occurs call your Dentist and organize an appointment immediately. If you are unable to put the tooth back into the socket, place it into a glass of milk in the meantime.

8. How often should a child see the dentist?
Your child should see a Dentist every 6 months for a check up.

9. Is it ok for my child to suck a dummy?
The desire to suck is natural for an infant and a dummy helps to satisfy this need. Using a dummy is generally fine after six weeks of age. It is very important to never dip the dummy in sugar, honey or anything sweet as this can lead to tooth decay.

10. Is it ok for my child to suck their thumb?
Sucking a thumb or fingers is generally a normal activity up until the age of four years. Continued and forceful sucking may lead to permanent displacement of your child’s teeth and / or jaw structure. If stopped early, lip pressure can reverse the damage. Forceful stoppage of sucking can cause psychological issues with the child.

11. How can I soothe my child’s teething?
As chewing or biting usually provides relief from teething, try unsalted breadsticks or crackers. Approved commercial teething rings may also be helpful. You should discuss the use of teething gels or ointments with your Doctor or Dentist prior to using them.

12. Should I put off taking my child to the Dentist if they are extremely frightened?
Fear is usually developed in children if they hear adults and friends voice such opinions. It is therefore important to talk to your child in a positive and calm manner about a visit to the dentist.

Take your child to the Dentist as early as possible to avoid creating a fear of the Dentist. It may help, to role play a visit with your child, and explain to them what they will see when they go into the room and to outline what the Dentist does. Setting a date and telling your child when they are going will enable the child to mentally prepare for the visit. It is important to advise the dental team about your child’s emotional abilities to cope with the visit.

It helps if the accompanying adult is not anxious or nervous.