Important Pediatric Dentist Information About Your Baby’s First Tooth

Important Pediatric Dentist Information About Your Baby’s First Tooth from Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Phoenix, AZSeeing your pediatric dentist before your baby’s first tooth erupts will help you prepare for that special moment. The changes you will face may be overwhelming at first, but you and your baby will surpass them. You must know what you can about your baby’s first tooth. If you want to find out about the essentials, here are the details from a pediatric dentist.

The emergence of the first tooth

The first tooth often comes out at six months. It is still fine if the baby has it earlier or later. The eruption of the first tooth varies in children. The two bottom front middle teeth come out first. Then, the two top front middle teeth will follow. The side and back teeth will erupt next.

The teething stage

In some babies, teething symptoms show only when the first tooth erupts. Others do not feel any discomfort even when their teeth emerge. There are also babies who experience discomfort even before the first teeth erupt. Parents often become anxious when the teething symptoms start.

A teething baby will want to gnaw or chew on something. Expect the baby to become irritable, sleep less, pull on his or her ears, drool, and eat less. There may also be some swelling in the area where the first tooth would be emerging. Some babies have a low-grade fever as well.

Relief for the accompanying pain

Babies often have teething pain when the tooth starts erupting. Parents can soothe the pain by massaging the swollen gums with their clean fingers. A frozen washcloth or a cold, solid teething ring can also help ease the discomfort. Supervising the baby while eating a teething biscuit is ideal. The chunks breaking off are choking hazards. A pediatric dentist may recommend a weight-appropriate amount of acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if the baby is over six months).

Adding fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral capable of preventing tooth decay. It makes the enamel strong enough to block the damaging effects of bacterial acids. Some areas have fluoridated tap water. Giving the baby some of the tap water in a sippy cup can introduce fluoride to the baby’s teeth.

Fluoride varnish

A pediatric dentist can talk to the parent about protecting the child’s first teeth with a fluoride varnish. This varnish is a protectant against cavities. The attending pediatrician can apply this varnish. A baby, who has a pediatric dentist, can have the treatment at the clinic during the first dental visit.

The introduction to dental care

The age for this visit varies. It depends on the parents and when the first teeth erupt. It is common to have the first dental visit by the baby’s first birthday. By age one, establishing a dental home routine is ideal. This means every member of the family must practice good oral care habits.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix, AZ

Your pediatric dentist will help establish your baby’s optimal dental health

It can be challenging to deal with the emergence of the first tooth. Your child may or may not experience discomfort. You will have your pediatric dentist help your family power through this stage. Regular visits with your pediatric dentist can help your experience be more pleasant and stress-free.

Request an appointment or call Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at 623-759-7658 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.

Recent Posts

The Importance Of Pediatric Dental Care

Pediatric dental care supports children's health, comfort, and development. Not only does it strive to detect and treat oral health problems early, but it also desensitizes children to dental visits to make each experience more comfortable. This special care and attention can motivate children to take good care of their teeth from a young age.Dental…

What To Ask Your Pediatric Dentist About Cavity Treatment For Kids

Cavity treatment for kids is a chief concern among parents, and for a good reason. Cavities are common in children of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of the kids ages 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in a primary tooth. The good news is…

4 Common Dental Issues A Pediatric Dentistry Can Treat

Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral problems that occur in children. Many dental issues in kids are similar to those that occur in adults. Without proper treatment, dental problems can progress to misaligned teeth and poor oral health. If you want to maintain your child’s dental health, here are the common dental issues that pediatric…

Recent Posts

The Importance Of Pediatric Dental Care

The Importance Of Pediatric Dental Care

Pediatric dental care supports children's health, comfort, and development. Not only does it strive to detect and treat oral health problems early, but it also desensitizes children to dental visits to make each experience more comfortable. This special care and attention can motivate children to take good care of their teeth from a young age.Dental…

How Teeth Straightening Affects Confidence

How Teeth Straightening Affects Confidence

If you are considering teeth straightening, then you probably know about the physical benefits. Straightening can make it easier to clean your teeth and prevent cavities. But it can have further-reaching benefits as well. The American Association of Orthodontics states that more than four million Americans have braces. And 25% of those people are adults.Studies…